In a series of lawsuits filed by right-wing activists, false claims about voting equipment have put millions of dollars in cost of living increases for retired teachers and property tax cuts for homeowners at risk of delay in Texas. The lawsuits, targeting the results of the November constitutional amendment election, have created uncertainty and could impact the lives of countless Texans.

The challenges were filed in Travis County district courts shortly after the November election, with the activists falsely claiming that Texas' voting equipment is uncertified and that voting machines are connected to the internet. Governor Greg Abbott has refrained from certifying the election results until the lawsuits are resolved, a process that experts suggest could take weeks or even months.

Critics argue that these election contests are yet another attempt to undermine trust in the electoral system, but this time, the consequences could be immediate and detrimental for many Texans.

The lawsuits specifically target the 14 constitutional amendment propositions that were approved by voters in November. However, by law, challenges to constitutional amendment elections cannot go to trial earlier than a month after filing, unless requested by the contestant, and must be resolved within six months of filing.

In response to the potential delays caused by the lawsuits, State Senator Bryan Hughes introduced a bill on Friday to eliminate the requirement for a one-month waiting period and expedite the resolution of such challenges. The bill swiftly passed a committee and the Senate floor, receiving a 23-1 vote in support. Now, it awaits the House's decision, which is also in session. Hughes stressed that failure to pass the bill could endanger property tax cuts and the extra money for retired teachers.

For retired teachers and public school employees, the cost-of-living increases, which were set to begin in January, could be delayed for months if the lawsuits do not move through the courts efficiently. Advocates emphasize that for many retirees, this raise would be their first in nearly two decades. The raises, authorized by Senate Bill 10, range from 2% to 6% of retired teachers' monthly pension checks, amounting to an approximately $80 increase. This translates to a significant collective amount of $30 million per month added to their pockets.

The Teacher Retirement System of Texas is currently assessing the potential impacts that the lawsuits may have on the distribution timing of these pension increases. The agency will provide updates on its website as more information becomes available.

Additionally, the lawsuits jeopardize the top priority policy for Texas Republicans this year - property tax cuts. Following much debate and negotiation, lawmakers approved an $18 billion tax-cut package, with $12.7 billion designated for school districts and a significant boost to the state's homestead exemption on school district taxes. These tax cuts were overwhelmingly supported by voters in November, with 83% in favor and 17% against.

However, the lawsuits also put other tax changes at risk, including a new cap on business property value growth and expanded exemptions for the state's franchise tax. Furthermore, voters in counties with at least 75,000 residents may lose the opportunity to select three new members for their local appraisal districts' board of directors.

At least two of the six lawsuits challenging the election results were filed by Jarrett Woodward of Bexar County, who has been vocal in advocating for hand-counted ballots and raising concerns about uncertified voting equipment. However, his claims have been debunked by the Texas Secretary of State and the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, as the election machines used in Texas have been duly certified and are not connected to the internet.

While proponents of the lawsuits argue for their right to challenge the election results, critics see them as baseless attempts to undermine the election process. The resolutions of these lawsuits will have far-reaching implications for the future of tax cuts and pension increases for thousands of Texans.

With time running out in the current special legislative session, Governor Abbott has the option to add this issue to the agenda, depending on the agreement reached by both chambers. As Texans eagerly await a resolution, the uncertainty surrounding these crucial policies remains a pressing concern for individuals and communities across the state.