This November, Texans will vote on Proposition 4, a constitutional amendment dedicating the first $1 billion in sales tax revenue above $46.5 billion each year to the Texas water fund. While politicians present this as a “responsible investment in water,” the truth is simpler: it’s a permanent carve-out of tax revenue that expands government spending without reducing Texans’ overall tax burden.

Instead of giving Texans tax relief or allowing local communities to manage their own water needs, this amendment diverts sales tax dollars into a state run fund overseen by bureaucrats. Worse, it does nothing to reduce spending elsewhere. That means Texans will continue to face the same tax burden—only now with even less flexibility in how their money is used.

Water is vital, but centralizing power in Austin and permanently earmarking billions of tax dollars is not the answer. Private enterprise, local initiatives, and voluntary cooperation have always been the most efficient and innovative ways to address infrastructure challenges. Proposition 4 ignores those solutions in favor of government mandates and long term obligations that future Texans cannot easily undo.

Texans deserve freedom, not another permanent spending program. On November 4, stand for lower taxes and local solutions. Vote NO on Proposition 4.