Letter To The Editor

Regarding May Election - "Don't forget us old folks"

I am sending this to everyone who lives in Texas, to be sure you are aware of a constitutional amendment that will be on the ballot at the May election. It is an amendment to correct an error made by the lawmakers when they voted for a reduction in school property taxes in 2005. When the lawmakers voted for a one-third reduction school property taxes beginning in 2006 and to be completed this year, they forgot about the homestead exemption for senior citizens and people with disabilities. The state constitution caps school property taxes for homeowners 65 years and older and those who are disabled. However, they DID NOT get the same reduction when the property tax cut for schools was voted on two years ago.

So, an amendment is on the May ballot to correct this error. The problem is that most voters who are younger than 65 or not disabled probably won't even notice the amendment or care. We would really appreciate your getting the word out to all your friends and families to vote FOR this amendment. The fear is that with a low voter turnout, the amendment could very well not pass.

So, please, please pass the word and VOTE "For" on the constitutional amendment. Early voting will take place April 30 - May 5 from 7 am to 7 pm; May 6 from noon to 6 pm and May 7-May 8 from 7am to 7pm. Election day is May 12 from 7am to 7pm. So there are plenty of options to stop by a polling place and vote. VOTE!!!

Thanks, Bea Marshall Smith County Retired Teachers Association