Proposing a constitutional amendment creating the broadband infrastructure fund to expand high-speed broadband access and assist in the financing of connectivity projects.
Overview The constitutional amendment would create the Broadband Infrastructure Fund in the Texas Constitution. The fund would be financed through money allocated by the state legislature, gifts, grants, and investment earnings. The purpose of the fund would be to enhance the availability and usage of broadband and telecommunications services. Money appropriated to this fund by the state legislature would not be counted toward the state's appropriation limit. The fund would be administered by the state comptroller. Money in the fund could be used in conjunction with federal funds or other state allocations for the purposes of the fund. The constitutional provision authorizing the fund would expire on September 1, 2035, unless extended by a concurrent resolution of the state legislature adopted by a two-thirds (66.67%) vote that would authorize the fund for another 10 years. If the fund expires, money remaining in the fund would be transferred to the state general fund. The amendment would take effect on January 1, 2024.
Why is this important? This is a long-desired update to communications in Texas. While broadband internet has been important for decades, the pandemic clearly showed how critical this infrastructure is. People who could have worked from home or students who needed to attend zoom classes didn’t have the ability. And in Texas, that meant that more than 500,000 households were left behind. Internet access is like electricity or running water. It’s a requirement in the 21st century. Vote YES on Proposition 8.
Jamie Lewis BCDP Communications Team
Click HERE to view all the proposed Amendments to the Texas Constitution for the November 2023 Ballot.
Obtain an acceptable ID for voting. If you don't have the listed photo ID, and could not reasonably get one, you can still vote by signing a form and bringing an acceptable alternate ID. You do NOT need your voter registration card to vote.
Visit VOTE411.orgor pick up a Voters Guide at a public library to see who and what is on your ballot so that you can vote informed.
Visit Bexar County Elections Department or call 210-335-8683 for answers to all your voting and elections questions.