Austin (WBAP/KLIF) – Texas’ ‘Big 3’ leaders revealed identical property tax legislation filed the Texas House and Senate Thursday.
Governor Greg Abbott, joined by Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and new House Speaker Dennis Bonnen made the announcement. Governor Abbott calling the move “unprecedented.”
“The voters demanded this, and this demonstrates that the Texas legislature is responsive to the needs of our voters.”
The bills known as HB2 and SB2 would limit annual local property tax growth to 2.5 percent from the current eight percent before having to hold an election. State officials say the proposals would force the state to use more of its revenue to pay for schools.
During a press conference in Austin, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick told reporters:
“The days of saying no, we’re going to kill the bill because we don’t want change, this sends a clear message, that day is over.”
The reaction is mixed on the bills, Republican Rep. Dustin Burrows of Lubbock think gave them a thumps up.
“It’s going to empower property owners to say no.”
Meantime Democratic Rep. Martinez Fletcher of San Antonio voiced concern:
“I want to know what happens to expenses in school districts, when we cap them at 2.5 percent … Who’s going to pay for that.”
Property taxes are the single source of revenue for schools.
Senate debate is expected to begin next week.
A historic moment: the Texas Senate and House have filed identical bills for property tax reform. #txlege pic.twitter.com/QFHlPVArT9
— Office of the Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick (@LtGovTX) January 31, 2019
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