Proposing a constitutional amendment prohibiting the use of state funds to pay for the obligations of a local public retirement system.
Impact
The amendment, if approved, would alter the existing provisions concerning financial liabilities related to local public retirement systems. This would likely affect how such systems manage their funding and obligations, as they would no longer be able to rely on state assistance in meeting their financial commitments. The resolution is expected to promote accountability within local retirement systems, as they must solve their financial issues independently without state funds.
Summary
SJR27 is a Senate Joint Resolution proposing a constitutional amendment that aims to prohibit the use of state funds for the obligations of local public retirement systems. Specifically, this amendment seeks to amend Section 67, Article XVI of the Texas Constitution by adding a new subsection stating that the state will not be liable for any debts or obligations incurred by a local retirement system. The intention is to ensure that the state legislature cannot appropriate funds to cover these debts, thereby removing financial responsibility from the state level.
Sentiment
Discussions surrounding SJR27 reveal a split sentiment among legislators. Supporters argue that the amendment is a necessary step to prevent the misuse of state funds and to ensure that local governments take full responsibility for their retirement obligations. Conversely, opponents express concerns that this measure may undermine the financial stability of local retirement systems, especially in areas where such systems may already be struggling. They worry about potential negative consequences for retirees and the adequacy of retirement benefits if local systems are forced to manage without state support.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the potential risks to retirees' pension benefits and the broader implications for local governance. Critics of the amendment fear that by removing financial safety nets, local governments may be unable to fulfill their obligations to retirees, leading to reduced pension benefits or insolvency of local retirement systems. The debate centers on the balance between fiscal responsibility at the state level and the financial health and protection of local employees' pensions.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to increase the minimum amount that the state may contribute to the Employees Retirement System of Texas and the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the 88th Legislature to provide a cost-of-living adjustment to certain annuitants of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the state to pay at least 50 percent of the cost of maintaining and operating the public school system and prohibiting the comptroller from certifying legislation containing an appropriation for public education unless the requirement is met.
Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the state to pay at least 50 percent of the cost of maintaining and operating the public school system and prohibiting the comptroller from certifying legislation containing an appropriation for public education unless the requirement is met.
Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of funds to support the capital needs of educational programs offered by the Texas State Technical College System and certain component institutions of the Texas State University System and repealing the limitation on the allocation to the Texas State Technical College System and its campuses of the annual appropriation of certain constitutionally dedicated funding for public institutions of higher education.
Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the dedication of certain sales and use tax revenue to a special fund established in the state treasury to pay for water infrastructure in this state.