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Statewide Amendment 08 - AGAINST
Texas

Statewide Amendment 08 - AGAINST

proposition

Texas Creation of the Broadband Infrastructure Fund Amendment

(HJR 125): Creating the broadband infrastructure fund to expand high-speed broadband access and assist in the financing of connectivity projects.

House Analysis

Senate Analysis

Assertions

MCTP Position: Source

Submitted by john wertz on 2023-10-09 13:37:14

Major Issues

Texas Scorecard has consolidated the recommendations for voting on the upcoming state constitutional amendments.October 7, 2023

More Corporate Welfare in the Texas Constitution - Huffines Liberty Foundation - AGAINST

Mark Ramsey 2023 Amendments Analysis - AGAINST

Breaks the constitutional “spending caps”. Grows government. Uses technology that is rapidly becoming obsolete.

JoAnn Fleming's "GRASSROOTS AMERICA We The People" '

"Voters, beware!  You are being used to grow government! Here’s how."

JoAnn Fleming's "GRASSROOTS AMERICA We The People" '

"Voters, beware!  You are being used to grow government! Here’s how."

Current Revolt Analysis

Just as high-speed satellite internet is rolling out, the Texas government wants to create a new boondoggle for land lines. VERDICT: SCAM

MCRP Analysis

This fund, administered by the State Comptroller would be used for:

(1) the development, construction, reconstruction, and expansion of broadband and telecommunications infrastructure or services;

(2) the operation of broadband and telecommunications infrastructure;

(3) the provision of broadband and telecommunications services; and

(4) the reasonable expenses of administering and managing the investments of the fund. (Section 49 of Article 3 of the state Constitution would be changed to include the above.)

This is another fund within the existing Texas Broadband Infrastructure Fund (BIF). Upon voter approval of this proposition, $1.5 billion from the General Revenue Fund would be deposited to the fund.

Take a look at some comments by supporters and opponents from the Texas Legislative Council Analysis Report.

Comments by Supporters

• Establishing a fund to support broadband expansion and infrastructure investment would provide resources to close the digital divide in Texas, which in turn could help to improve quality of life and lead to increased economic growth.

• Without reliable access to broadband Internet, millions of Texans are at a disadvantage in seeking employment opportunities and accessing certain educational and health care services that are increasingly going virtual.

• By investing state dollars in the expansion of broadband infrastructure, the state would be well positioned to draw down funds from the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, which matches state dollars on a four-to-one basis.

• A state funding source for broadband expansion will provide much-needed flexibility in achieving broadband attainment goals that is missing with federal programs that come with certain added constraints.

Comments by Opponents

• The broadband infrastructure fund should be required to prioritize projects that develop fiber optic broadband infrastructure, which may be faster, safer, and more durable and reliable than wireless broadband.

• Texas has previously allocated $600 million for broadband purposes, and the state is likely to receive billions of dollars from the federal BEAD program for these purposes. Creating a costly new broadband fund with state taxpayer dollars is excessive and fiscally irresponsible.

This amendment was HJR 125 from the regular legislative session.

Recommendation: Does Texas need to invest an additional $1.5 billion in taxpayer funds now with the inflation rate, property taxes so high, and the state of the economy? Could it be accomplished using federal funds? This is a tough one to call and one every voter will have to decide.