Tuesday, Texas votes on Proposition 6, a measure that aims to solve the state's water shortage by creating a fund for water development projects. The legislation would draw $2 billion in funds from the state's Rainy Day Fund.
Politicians including Governor Rick Perry support Proposition 6, calling the measure important in meeting the state's water needs. Some lawmakers are critical of the measure, saying it would give too much power to a three-member board overseeing spending.Support and opposition to Proposition 6 is not necessarily along party lines among incumbents and challengers running for statewide office in next year's election, according to the Texas Tribune, who polled candidates about their support for Proposition 6.
Republican candidates for governor Greg Abbott and Tom Pauken support Proposition 6, as does Democratic candidate Wendy Davis. Libertarian gubernatorial candidate Kathie Glass opposes Proposition 6.
Regardless of the outcome of Tuesday's vote, the $2 Billion won't help with water woes any time soon and finances may not be the primary issue, according to another Texas Tribune article.
While proponents of the measure, like State Senator Troy Fraser call Proposition 6 "the most important vote of your lifetime," Tea Party groups say the measure creates a "slush fund" which would lead to wasteful spending.
Researchers say Proposition 6 will help with future droughts, but not the current drought. Others say Proposition 6 is all about money and doesn't address the important issue getting in the way of water, citing bureaucratic hurdles that have caused multi-year battles to gain approval for the building of new reservoirs or the negotiation of rights to more water.
