Three Amendments About Judges Cancer Research and Water

On November 6 Texans will determine the fate of 16 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution each of which was adopted by at least a two-thirds vote of both the Texas Senate and the Texas House of Representatives.

To help you be a better informed voter I have been devoting my weekly column to a discussion of each amendment.  This is the last in the series of six columns.  Previous columns may be found on the Senate Web site:  www.senate.state.tx.us.  Click on “Senators” then on “Wentworth” and scroll down to press releases.

Proposition 14 would permit justices or judges who reach the mandatory retirement age of 75 to serve the remainder of their current terms.  The enabling legislation for the proposed amendment includes a provision that would not allow them to serve more than four years beyond age 75.

Supporters say that justices or judges should complete the terms of offices that voters elected them to.  They also say that requiring justices or judges to retire early would disrupt the administration of justice.

Those who disagree claim that mandatory retirement is a way to remove an aging justice or judge who has become ineffective and retirement at age 75 ensures a more capable and alert judiciary.

Proposition 15 which is actively supported by cycling legend Lance Armstrong would require the creation of the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas by authorizing the issuance of up to $3 billion in bonds for research in Texas to find the causes of and cures for cancer. 

If the proposed amendment is approved the bonds will be issued only on request of the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and the state may finance cancer research through biennial appropriations.

Supporters say that cancer kills more than 35000 Texans each year and more than 77000 develop cancer annually.  In addition to the cost in lives and health cancer has an economic impact on the state costing Texans more than $4 billion each year.

Opponents claim that Texas should not borrow money to finance cancer research when it has a fiscal surplus.  They also point out that finding a cure for cancer is an international issue and Texas should not provide a disproportionate share of the research funds.

Proposition 16 would allow the Texas Water Development Board to issue up to $250 million of additional general obligation bonds to assist economically distressed areas.     

The water development board provides grants and loans to political subdivisions to bring water and wastewater services to economically distressed areas which are found primarily in rural communities and communities along the Texas-Mexico border.  Additional funding would provide more Texans with access to clean water and adequate sanitation both of which are necessary to promote public health.

Opponents believe the program should not be expanded because more than $500 million in state and federal funds have been used and the problem has not been resolved.

Historically constitutional amendment elections attract a low voter turnout.  I urge you to study the amendments and to vote on November 6.