ELECTION RESULTS: What They Mean for Forney Voters
Texans had a busy ballot this year, voting on 17 state constitutional amendments. Every single amendment passed statewide—and here in Kaufman County, voters gave every proposal a thumbs-up, too! From school funding and tax breaks to water projects and parental rights, here’s what each amendment means for folks in Forney.
Proposition 1: Tech College Funding – PASSED
What it does: Sets up special funds for Texas State Technical College (TSTC) to buy land, build new buildings, and get equipment. Think of it as a tech-college piggy bank.
Forney impact: No TSTC campus here yet, but Forney students could benefit if programs expand elsewhere in Texas. More skilled workers mean more opportunities down the road—maybe even right here in our industries.
Local vote: Approved by Kaufman County voters.
Proposition 2: No Capital Gains Tax – PASSED
What it does: Bans the state from taxing profits from selling investments like stocks, bonds, or property—even unrealized gains (stuff you still hold).
Forney impact: Most of us won’t notice, but investors and property sellers are protected from new state taxes on profits. Ranchers selling land or homeowners selling property get a break.
Local vote: Approved.
Proposition 3: Tougher Bail Rules – PASSED
What it does: Keeps the most serious criminals (think murder, kidnapping, abuse) in jail before trial unless a judge has a very good reason to let them out.
Forney impact: Families can feel safer knowing violent offenders are more likely to stay behind bars while awaiting trial. Minor offenses? No change.
Local vote: Approved.
Proposition 4: Water Project Funding – PASSED
What it does: Sets aside $1 billion a year (once sales tax revenue hits $46.5B) for water projects over 20 years. Reservoirs, flood control, clean water—you name it.
Forney impact: Better statewide water planning means more reliable water and improved flood safety for Forney. It’s like giving Texas a giant water piggy bank.
Local vote: Approved.
Proposition 5: Farm and Feed Tax Exemption – PASSED
What it does: Lets lawmakers exempt animal feed from certain property taxes, giving farms a break.
Forney impact: Local farmers and pet stores save money, which could mean cheaper feed and a little boost for the local ag economy.
Local vote: Approved.
Proposition 6: Ban on Securities Taxes – PASSED
What it does: Blocks new taxes on buying and selling stocks or bonds.
Forney impact: Mostly affects investors, but keeping Texas friendly for trading might encourage new businesses and jobs in the area.
Local vote: Approved.
Proposition 7: Veteran Widow Home Tax Exemption – PASSED
What it does: Lets surviving spouses of veterans who died from service-related injuries or illness get a property tax break on their home.
Forney impact: Honors our local vets and their families. Widows or widowers can keep their homes with less financial stress.
Local vote: Approved.
Proposition 8: No Inheritance (Death) Tax – PASSED
What it does: Bans the state from taxing inherited property or estates.
Forney impact: Families inheriting homes, land, or money in Forney won’t owe a state inheritance tax. Big relief for family farms or passing down property.
Local vote: Approved.
Proposition 9: Small Business Tax Break – PASSED
What it does: Lets businesses get a bigger break on equipment or inventory taxes—up to $125,000 exempt.
Forney impact: Local shops, bakeries, or farms save money on tools and stock. That could mean hiring more people or keeping prices lower.
Local vote: Approved.
Proposition 10: Home Fire Rebuild Tax Break – PASSED
What it does: If your home is destroyed by fire, you don’t pay property taxes on the burned building while you rebuild.
Forney impact: Big relief for families hit by fire—less stress, more cash to rebuild.
Local vote: Approved.
Proposition 11: Bigger School Tax Cut for Seniors and Disabled – PASSED
What it does: Boosts the school tax exemption for seniors and disabled Texans. More savings on the home front.
Forney impact: Retirees and disabled homeowners in Forney get more breathing room in their budgets.
Local vote: Approved.
Proposition 12: More Citizen Oversight of Judges – PASSED
What it does: Adds more regular citizens to the board that reviews complaints against judges. More eyes, more accountability.
Forney impact: Local judges are watched by a board with real community input. Keeps the justice system accountable to folks like us.
Local vote: Approved.
Proposition 13: Higher Home Tax Exemption for Everyone – PASSED
What it does: Raises the homestead exemption for school taxes from $100K to $140K. Less taxable home value = lower school taxes.
Forney impact: Families save money on school property taxes. A $300K home? You’re taxed on $160K instead of $200K. Nice relief for homeowners!
Local vote: Approved.
Proposition 14: Dementia Research Institute – PASSED
What it does: Creates a $3 billion fund to research and prevent dementia.
Forney impact: Families here could benefit from breakthroughs in brain health. Also creates jobs at Texas universities.
Local vote: Approved.
Proposition 15: Parental Rights – PASSED
What it does: Strengthens parents’ say in kids’ education, health, and upbringing.
Forney impact: Parents have more power at school boards and in local schools. Schools have to listen first to moms and dads.
Local vote: Approved.
Proposition 16: Citizenship Required to Vote – PASSED
What it does: Makes it explicit in the Texas Constitution that only U.S. citizens can vote.
Forney impact: Elections in Forney stay the same—citizens only. Just puts it in writing.
Local vote: Approved.
Proposition 17: Border Property Tax Exemption – PASSED
What it does: Lets border-area property owners avoid higher taxes if border security projects boost property value.
Forney impact: Doesn’t affect us in Kaufman County. Only matters to border counties like El Paso or Webb.
Local vote: Approved.
Bottom Line for Forney
All 17 amendments passed in Kaufman County. That means more tax breaks for homeowners, extra funds for schools and research, stronger parental rights, and clearer rules for bail and voting. While some measures won’t touch our day-to-day life, Forney residents should notice lower property taxes, better water security, and a boost for education and research projects across Texas.
