I’ve spent several years now traveling and meeting with fellow Texans all over the state, which has given the unique and often unfortunate perspective of seeing firsthand the horrors of eminent domain.
Some, like me, live or work on a farm or ranch. Many more make their homes in town.
But in all cases, the sentiments of frustration and self-doubt are the same. When something the size of a government singles out an individual to take what’s theirs, not much can be done. Folks lose homes, livelihoods and family security.
In a state where private property ownership should be hallowed, we’ve seen this story unfold time and again. And because various court cases have allowed it, such property ploys can be exacted for less than market value and handed off to someone else who promises higher returns, and tax revenues, in the future.
We don’t have to take it.
On Nov. 3, we owe it to ourselves, our friends and our neighbors to do what’s right. Go to the polls and vote yes on Proposition 11.
Sure, eminent domain has its place. We all benefit from roads, utility lines, new schools and hospitals. But when those powers have been repeatedly abused, stacking the energy and resources of governments and corporations against a single individual or family, something has gone terribly wrong.
Proposition 11 allows us to fix at least some of the problems with this system. If approved, it will become unconstitutional for government bodies to take land from one person and give it to another for their economic benefit. It will limit who has eminent domain power by forcing new bodies seeking the privilege to first obtain a two-thirds vote of the Legislature. And it will require that urban blight condemnations are never again handled as blanket proceedings that rub out entire neighborhoods.
Admittedly, more will still need to be done to truly reform our eminent domain system.
For years, Texas Farm Bureau has fought hard to do just that: Repair this broken system and give that lone property owner a more equal footing with those who would condemn his home, business or land. We’ve fought for fair play. We’ve fought for fair consideration in all factors involving the loss of property. And we’ve fought for fair compensation to the person who ultimately must give up what’s his.
Twice now we have developed strong private property rights bills with our lawmakers. In 2007, we won our support in both houses of our Texas Legislature only to meet a veto by Gov. Rick Perry. When the same legislation won unanimous Senate support in 2009 and failed to get past the politics that ensued in the House on an unrelated issue, our pleas to the governor to add the issue to his special called session fell on deaf ears.
Rest assured, our fight is far from finished, and a resounding yes vote on Proposition 11 will let all our elected officials know without doubt that private property rights are something we all hold dear in the Lone Star State.
Do your part on Nov. 3. Vote YES on Proposition 11 and let lawmakers know where you stand.
Taking the fight to Capitol Hill
Sens. Kit Bond (R-Mo.) and Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) talk with TFB District 8 State Director Richard Cortese, a grain and livestock farmer from Little River-Academy, before a mid-October news conference to oppose cap-and-trade bills. The senators, along with Texas Farm Bureau leaders, contend that implementation of the climate change legislation will raise fuel taxes, among other costs. (Photo by Tom Williams/Used with permission from Roll Call newspaper in Washington, D.C.)
AFBF’s Stallman to address Texas farmers in Bryan
Farmers throughout Texas will have the opportunity to learn about the latest practices and technological innovations at the 21st Texas Plant Protection conference scheduled Dec. 2-3 at the Brazos Center in Bryan.
Bob Stallman, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, is the scheduled keynote speaker the morning of Dec. 2. The annual conference showcases the latest in agricultural technology and practices, plus provides insight and analysis to critical issues affecting the industry.
Other speakers and topics include: Dr. Mark Welch, Texas AgriLife Extension Service grains economist, who will give market outlooks on both grain and wheat; Mac Young, AgriLife Extension agent-Corpus Christi, who will lead a presentation on the economics of field storage of corn in plastic bags; Ray Smith of Biological Research Services Inc., who will discuss using Afla-Guard in managing aflatoxins in corn.
"We’ve assembled some prominent speakers who are experts in virtually every sector of agriculture," said Brad Minton, president of the Texas Plant Protection Association.
For registration information and a complete schedule with speakers and topics, visit http://tppa.tamu.edu.
Counties show support of Proposition 11
Wilson CFB members are one of many county groups statewide who have stepped up in force around Texas to show their support for Prop 11.
In San Angelo, Tom Green CFB members have placed ads in the local newspaper as well as launching the sign campaign.
Ellis CFB leaders John and Sue Turner even took the message on the road, appearing in Waxahachie’s "Texas Country Reporter" festival parade in late October.
Farm Bureau urges estate tax reform
Farm Bureau is urging support for a broad exemption to the estate tax bill, HR 3905, introduced by Rep. Shelley Berkley (D-Nev.). The bill would increase the exemption under the estate tax while lowering the tax rate.
Under Berkley’s bill, taxpayers with $5 million or less in assets would be exempt from estate taxes, while the tax rate would be lowered to 35 percent, down from 45 percent.
Joining Rep. Berkley in support of the bill are Reps. Kevin Brady (R-Texas), Artur Davis (D-Ala.) and Devin Nunes (R-Calif.).
Show your support for HR 3905 by visiting http://www.capwiz.com/txfb/state/main/?state=TX.