AUSTIN — Texans made their voice heard at the polls Tuesday. On the ballot were 14 propositions that would be added to the state constitution if passed. Thirteen of the 14 propositions were approved by voters. 

Voters overwhelmingly supported Proposition 4, which will give homeowners a break on their property taxes.

Also passed was Proposition 8, which will create a fund to substantially increase internet access across the state. State lawmakers from both parties overwhelmingly supported the measure. Spectrum News’ parent company, Charter Communications, also supported the passage of Proposition 8. Charter is a leading cable and broadband provider in Texas.

The only failure was Proposition 13, which would have raised the minimum age of retirement for state justices and judges from 70 to 75. It also would have set the mandatory retirement age at 79 instead of 75, which is the current age. 

In the Houston Mayoral race, U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee and state Sen. John Whitmire are headed to a runoff. It's scheduled for Dec. 9.

Proposition 1: 

“The constitutional amendment protecting the right to engage in farming, ranching, timber production, horticulture and wildlife management.”

This creates a constitutional right to farm and ranch, using “generally accepted” practices.

Proposition 2: “The constitutional amendment authorizing a local option exemption from ad valorem taxation by a county or municipality of all or part of the appraised value of real property used to operate a child-care facility.”

This proposition gives counties and cities the option to lower property taxes for child care facilities.

Proposition 3: “The constitutional amendment prohibiting the imposition of an individual wealth or net worth tax, including a tax on the difference between the assets and liabilities of an individual or family.”

Texas does not have a net worth tax, and this proposition makes sure it stays that way.

Proposition 4: “The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to establish a temporary limit on the maximum appraised value of real property other than a residence homestead for ad valorem tax purposes; to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district applicable to residence homesteads from $40,000 to $100,000; to adjust the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect increases in certain exemption amounts; to except certain appropriations to pay for ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations; and to authorize the legislature to provide for a four-year term of office for a member of the board of directors of certain appraisal districts.”

This proposition also raises the state’s homestead on school district taxes exemption from $40,000 to $100,000.

Proposition 5: “The constitutional amendment relating to the Texas University Fund, which provides funding to certain institutions of higher education to achieve national prominence as major research universities and drive the state economy.”

This proposition allows the state to give money to colleges and universities to fund research hubs.

Proposition 6: “The constitutional amendment creating the Texas water fund to assist in financing water projects in this state.”

This proposition creates a new special fund to support a wide range of water infrastructure projects.

Proposition 7: “The constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the Texas energy fund to support the construction, maintenance, modernization and operation of electric generating facilities.”

This would create a fund to give loans and grants to companies that want to build new natural gas-fueled power plants.

Proposition 8: “The constitutional amendment creating the broadband infrastructure fund to expand high-speed broadband access and assist in the financing of connectivity projects.”

This creates the fund to expand internet access across Texas.

Proposition 9: “The constitutional amendment authorizing the 88th Legislature to provide a cost-of-living adjustment to certain annuitants of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.”

This gives retired teachers a pay raise. Many retirees lobbied for the measure at the Capitol this year. The Texas American Federation of Teachers says on average, its teachers get less than $2,200 a month.

Proposition 10: “The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation equipment or inventory held by a manufacturer of medical or biomedical products to protect the Texas healthcare network and strengthen our medical supply chain.”

This exempts medical manufacturing equipment from property taxation.

Proposition 11: “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to permit conservation and reclamation districts in El Paso County to issue bonds supported by ad valorem taxes to fund the development and maintenance of parks and recreational facilities.”

This allows El Paso County to issue bonds supported by property taxes to fund recreational development and improvement.

Proposition 12: “The constitutional amendment providing for the abolition of the office of county treasurer in Galveston County.”

This amendment abolishes Galveston County’s treasurer's office. 

Proposition 14: “The constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the centennial parks conservation fund to be used for the creation and improvement of state parks.”

This creates a fund for new parks and expand existing state parks.

Proposition 13: “The constitutional amendment to increase the mandatory age of retirement for state justices and judges.”

This would have raised the minimum retirement age for state judges from 70 to 75 and set the mandatory retirement age at 79 instead of the current age at 75.