“It’s taken decades for Texas to build a dedicated funding stream for water—and we did it without raising taxes.”
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas – (LUBBOCK, TX) – Senator Charles Perry (R–Lubbock) today celebrated the passage of Proposition 4, marking a once-in-a-generation victory for Texas water security and the culmination of decades of work to ensure the state’s most essential resource is protected for generations to come.
“This is the most significant state investment in water infrastructure in Texas history,” said Senator Perry. “For far too long, Texas has been growing without a long-term plan for water. With Proposition 4, we’ve finally made the commitment to build the pipelines, water supply sources, and treatment systems that will not only repair our infrastructure but create new water supplies so our communities can survive and thrive in the decades ahead.”
Approved overwhelmingly by Texas voters, Proposition 4 dedicates $1 billion per year for 20 years—a total of $20 billion—from existing state sales tax revenue to secure the state’s water future. It is a generational investment without raising taxes. The measure implements Senate Bill 7 (SB 7) / House Joint Resolution 7 (HJR 7), authored by Perry and Representative Cody Harris during the 89th Legislature.
“This is our moment to deliver the most significant water investment in Texas history,” Perry said. “It’s taken decades for Texas to build a dedicated funding stream for water—and we did it without raising taxes.”
Proposition 4 provides funding opportunities for all 254 counties, addressing both rural and urban needs. It invests in projects that not only expand supply but also protect existing freshwater resources for future generations.
Proposition 4 keeps Texas water funding accountable and transparent. It creates a legislative advisory committee to oversee the Texas Water Fund, requires public tools to track spending in real time, and ensures lawmakers—not bureaucrats—decide how funds are allocated.
“Texans deserve to know where their money is going,” Perry said. “Every dollar spent will be visible and tied to results that strengthen our communities and protect our future.”
From the piney woods to the high plains, every Texan depends on water. Prop 4 ensures that children and grandchildren will have the water supply needed to keep Texas strong.
“In West Texas, we know what it is to pray for rain,” said Perry. “Water is the lifeblood of every community—it fuels our economy, sustains our families, and secures our future. Whether you live in the piney woods or the high plains, reliable water infrastructure and new water supply are essential to keeping Texas growing strong for generations to come.”
For nearly a decade as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture & Rural Affairs, Senator Perry has made water security the cornerstone of his public service. His authorship of SB 7/HRJ 7, and now the successful passage of Proposition 4, represent the pinnacle of this work and a generational step forward for Texas.
“History will remember this as the moment Texas got serious about water,” Perry said. “I’m grateful to the voters for their trust and to my colleagues in the Legislature for helping make it happen. Together, we’ve laid the foundation for the next 50 years of growth and prosperity.”
