Early voting has begun for the Nov. 7 elections in Texas. And for most we imagine it's not a big deal.
No major races are on the ballot. Locally, voters will decide whether to approve changes to the Texarkana, Texas, City Charter. And there are seven proposed state
Constitutional amendments-never much of a draw in an off-year election.
But there is one amendment-Proposition 6-we think voters should take a good look at.
If approved, Proposition 6 would let the state Legislature "provide a property tax exemption for the residence homes of surviving spouses of first responders killed in the line of duty."
The exemption would apply to current homes and future residences as long as the spouse does not remarry.
It's important to note Proposition 6 doesn't automatically grant the exemption-that would be up to the Legislature. The exemption could be total or partial. That's also yet to be decided. A bill providing a total exemption has been passed pending approval of the proposed amendment.
We can't tell you how to vote. But we do think you should carefully consider this proposition. Every day the families of first responders live with the possibility their loved one won't come home. When the worst does indeed happen, the survivors often have a hard time coping financially. Nothing can bring a dedicated public servant back to life, but Proposition 6 could help those left behind breathe a little easier.