On the ballot: 10 constitutional propositions to be decided in Nov. 5, 2019, election

In addition to several local races and ballot options, Texans will vote for or against 10 amendments being proposed to the Texas Constitution this fall.

The order the propositions will appear on the ballot -- from headline-grabbing items such as a prohibition on state income taxation to smaller ones like allowing for the transfer of police service dogs to caretakers -- was determined Tuesday via a random drawing by Deputy Secretary of State Joe Esparza for the Nov. 5, 2019, election.

The propositions are:

Allen West To Explore Bid To Lead Texas GOP; RPT Chairman James Dickey Seeks Re-election

This article originally appeared in The Hayride on July 4, 2019:

Among his many credits, Republican Party of Texas Chairman James Dickey is, without any doubt, a political survivor.

But now Dickey may face his most spirited challenge yet from a well-recognized national figure.

Lt. Col. Allen West, a former Florida Congressman and sought-after public speaker who moved to Texas to work with a conservative think-tank, announced he is exploring a run for Texas GOP party chair. West made his video announcement Wednesday evening after teasing a major announcement for several weeks and hinting that he may seek a U.S. Senate seat, a Congressional district, or the state party chairmanship.

Homeless Camps Now Protected In Austin (But Renting To Them Costs $500)

This article originally appeared in The Hayride on July 3, 2019:

It is now legal for vagrants to camp on the front of your property in the capital city of Texas.

By contrast, renting that space to a homeless person for a month in Austin requires an annual fee of $500, proper insurance, a certificate of occupancy, and payment of hotel occupancy taxes (and for some reason a license to drive a motor vehicle).

A new homeless camping policy is the latest example of an all-Democrat City Council maintaining its war on private enterprise while giving those who do not pay property taxes more rights.
The brewing political battle in Austin just took center-stage with a tweet from Gov. Greg Abbott.