Time to Vote! November 2, 2021, HPISD Funding and State Constitution Amendments!

It's time to vote again! There are a handful of State Constitutional Amendments up for vote as well as HPISD Proposition A aka "The Golden Penny Election".

Our 2221 Precinct Chair, Laurie Drazner sent out a straightforward explanation (copied below) of Prop A and why we should support it - makes sense to us! She also included a quick list of the constitutional amendments and finally, early voting hours and locations. Thanks Laurie!

Proposition A allows HPISD to collect more dollars that are not subject to recapture through the use of four “Golden Pennies.” Voting for or against the proposition will reduce our tax rate compared to last year, but a FOR vote will generate more than $3 million annually for the district. 

Our tax rate last year was $1.15 per $1,000 assessed value. Proposition A, with the four Golden Pennies, sets it at $1.13. If the proposition fails to pass, the tax rate will be four cents less at $1.09. A comprehensive presentation is available that explains how the district compares to others and how the State of Texas changed school funding through a new state law known as HB3, which negatively affected funding for HPISD. To offset the changes, the State is allowing districts to get voter approval for the use of the Golden Pennies.

Bottom line: The district needs this money to attract and retain teachers. HPISD salaries are less than the state average and are not competitive. Some people will argue that we can cut administrative costs, but schools cannot run without an administration and support staff. Most of our tax dollars are recaptured, and we cannot change that. 

Texas Constitutional Amendment Election

Eight state amendments are on the ballot. Some are very good; some are sort of ridiculous (like the rodeo raffles), but voters get the final say.

They are numbered 1 to 8.

1: Rodeo raffles
2: County government allowed to issue bonds
3: Religious services (response to COVID)
4: Eligibility requirements for state judges
5: Powers to investigate judicial candidates
6: Caregiver visits (response to COVID)
7: Property tax exemption for widowed spouses 
8: Property tax exemption for spouses of military members killed “in the line of duty”

Use this customized voting guide from the League of Women Voters which gives the pro and con arguments for all amendments on your ballot, including Proposition A.

When and Where to Vote

Early Voting Dates, Times, and Locations:
Monday, Oct. 18, to Saturday, Oct. 23, 8 am to 5 pm
Sunday, Oct. 24, 1 to 6 pm
Monday, Oct. 25, to Wednesday, Oct. 27, 8 am to 5 pm
Thursday, Oct. 28, and Friday, Oct. 29, 7 am to 7 pm

Vote at any Early Voting Center in Dallas County. Closest locations for most of us are:

HP Admin Building on Westchester near Lovers
UP Methodist on Caruth at Preston
Our Redeemer Church on Park Lane across from NorthPark

Election Day Times and Locations:

Tuesday, Nov., 2, 7 am to 7 pm

Vote at the above locations or at Armstrong, Bradfield, UP Elementary, HPMS, Central Commons Church, Ben Milam Elementary, Oak Lawn Library

All early voting and Election Day locations