There is a secret constitutional amendment on the ballet on May 12 and unless folks go out and vote for it the amendment may go down to defeat. I do not see anyone out there campaigning for it. Have you heard the Governor say anything about it or even spend some of his campaign money to inform the voters? You remember Perry's famous ad about the $2000 tax break we were all getting? Seniors did not get anything and this amendment will correct that. . What about the Secretary of State who put up billboards last year paid for by the State of Texas, is he campaigning for the amendment?

It is an amendment to correct an error made by the lawmakers when they voted for a reduction in school property taxes in 2005. When the lawmakers voted for a one-third reduction school property taxes beginning in 2006 and to be completed this year, they forgot about the homestead exemption for senior citizens and people with disabilities. The state constitution caps school property taxes for homeowners 65 years and older and those who are disabled. However, they DID NOT get the same reduction when the property tax cut for schools was voted on two years ago.

So an amendment is on the May ballot to correct this error. The problem is that most voters who are younger than 65 or not disabled probably won't even notice the amendment or care. PLEASE get out and vote for this amendment if not for yourself then for your parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends. The Gossip would really appreciate your getting the word out to all your friends and families to vote for this amendment. The fear is that with a low voter turnout, the amendment could very well not pass. And the Gossip needs the reduction in property taxes.

So, please, please pass the word and VOTE for the constitutional amendment. Early voting will take place will April 30 - May 5 from 7 am to 7 pm; May 6 from noon to 6 pm and May 7 - May 8 from 7 am to 7 pm. Election day is May 12 from 7 am to 7 pm. So there are plenty of options to stop by a polling place and vote.