As we near the 2025 Constitutional Election Day on November 4, I’d like to offer a friendly reminder that the early voting period will begin on October 20 and will end on October 31. While I always encourage folks to take advantage of the early voting period to avoid Election Day lines, what’s most important is that you plan to participate in the process by exercising your right to vote. For more information about early voting locations, what you’ll need to bring with you to the polling locations, or any other questions you may have, please visit www.votetexas.gov.
With that, here’s an update from your State Capitol…
Capitol Update
This week, we will continue our examination of constitutional amendments on the ballot for the upcoming November election. Specifically, this column will focus on Propositions 7, 9, 10, 11, and 13, which make much needed reforms to our property tax system.
Proposition 7 exempts the homes of our veterans who died as a result of a condition or disease that is presumed to have been service-connected for their surviving spouse. I was proud to support this vital legislation which honors the lives of our servicemen and women and ensures Texas continues to honor their sacrifice by taking care of their loved ones.
Proposition 9 exempts $125,000 worth of ad valorem tax value from properties used for business purposes. Texas is the best place in the world to business, and I was proud to serve as a coauthor of this legislation which will ensure businesses will have reduced expenses and will ensure prices remain low for Texas consumers.
Proposition 10 temporarily exempts homes destroyed by fire from property taxes. When disaster strikes our fellow Texans, we all have a responsibility to help our neighbors recover and get back on their feet. I was proud to support this legislation which will ensure that taxing entities do not impose insult to injury on struggling Texans.
Proposition 11 raises the homestead exemption for elderly and disabled Texans from $110,000 to $200,000. Our elderly neighbors and those with disabilities deserve the respect of affordable home ownership that this proposition puts forward. I was proud to serve as a cosponsor of this legislation which will ensure more financial security and peace of mind for those on fixed incomes.
Proposition 13 raises the homestead exemption for all homeowners in Texas from $100,000 to $140,000. Affordable home ownership is what has made Texas the best place to live work, and raise a family. I was proud to serve as a cosponsor of this legislation which will ensure that Texans will receive meaningful property tax relief in the face of inflation and increased tax rates by local governments.
The mobile office is still on the road this month, and our District Director looks forward to seeing you October 15 at the Houston County Courthouse Annex in Crockett from 9:30-11:30am, or at the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton from 1:30-3:30pm.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if we can help you in any way. My district office may be reached at (936) 634-2762 and our Capitol office at (512) 463-0508. Additionally, I welcome you to follow along on my Official Facebook Page, where I will post regular updates on what’s happening in your State Capitol and share information that could be useful to you and your family: https://www.facebook.com/RepTrentAshby/.
