Houston Democrats

Dear Neighbor:

On Tuesday, November 8, voters will decide on nine amendments to the Texas Constitution. Unlike the U. S. Constitution, our Texas Constitution is a very long and detailed document. Voters are often called upon to make changes to the Texas Constitution and have approved more than 400 changes since its original adoption in 1876.

Proposed amendments go to the voters if they are first approved by two-thirds of the members of both the Texas House and the Texas Senate. The governor cannot veto a constitutional amendment. That right is left to the voters of the state.

As in the past, I will not recommend how you should vote on these proposals, but rather give you the arguments for and against so you can make an informed decision.

I will mention, however, that I was the author of Proposition 7, which would expand the options for reverse mortgages in Texas. Reverse mortgages are special loans that allow senior citizens to borrow against the equity in their homes without risking loss of the home for nonpayment of the loan, because no payments are due until after the owners no longer live in the home. I helped pass the first law allowing reverse mortgages in Texas and have continued to work to improve this tool which is used by many seniors.
If you have questions or need more information, you can download a much more detailed summary or contact me by e-mail.

Sincerely,

State Representative Scott Hochberg