|
US Vote SmartHome » 2015-11-03 election » Texas » Prop 2: Exempt surviving spouses of totally disabled veterans |
| Prop 2: Exempt surviving spouses of totally disabled veterans | |
|---|---|
 Texas |
Prop 2: Exempt surviving spouses of totally disabled veterans
proposition
The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of all or part of the market value of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a 100 percent or totally disabled veteran who died before the law authorizing a residence homestead exemption for such a veteran took effect.
This measure will extend the existing homestead exemption for surviving spouses to include those whose spouses died before January 1, 2010.
The proposed ballot measure passed the House 138-0 and the Senate 27-2.
Assertions
MCTP Favors with Rating of 97 Source 
Submitted by john wertz on 2015-10-04 15:36:46
The MCTP recommends voting in favor of Proposition 2 because it eliminates the two classes of surviving spouses and is another step towards eliminating the property tax altogether.
There is minor concern that this measure will continue the existance of two classes of citizens – those who qualify for complete tax relief and those who don't – but there is consensus it is better to treat all surviving spouses the same rather than to make this benefit dependent upon when a spouse died.
The rating of 97 indicates that the MCTP vetting committee is unanimous in their strong support for this measure with only very mild concerns.
Major Issues
This measure eliminates the two classes of surviving spouses of totally disabled veterans:
- Those whose spouses died on or after January 1, 2010, who currently receive a full property tax exemption on their current homesteads
- Those whose spouses died before January 1, 2010 who are not eligible for this tax relief
This measure will extend the tax relief to an estimated 3,800 surviving spouses, a number that will only decrease with time.
