Abbott and Patrick at Odds Over Property Tax Bill

Texas politicians Governor Greg Abbott (R) and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick (R) have been at odds over the impending property tax bill.

In a tweet, Gov. Abbott discussed the bill passing the House.

“The Texas House passed HB 1/HJR 1 yesterday to cut property taxes for all Texans. It provides more relief than any other current proposal and is supported by 30+ business, homeowner, and consumer groups. I look forward to signing the largest property tax cut in Texas history.”

The Lieutenant Governor, by contrast, has taken issue with the Governor’s property tax bill.

“Governor Abbott released a statement this evening where he said, “The Texas House is the only chamber that passed a property tax cut bill that is germane to the special session that I called to provide Texans with property tax relief.”

Lt. Gov. Patrick believes that Gov. Abbott is attempting to prioritize his personal beliefs on property tax legislation over the opinions of the Texas Senate.

“He seems misinformed about the roles of the executive and legislative branches of government. While the Governor has the sole authority to call the Legislature into Session, the Legislature writes the bills – the courts have been crystal clear on this.”

Along with the Texas Senate, Lt. Gov. Patrick believes that Abbott’s plan will save Texans less money but prioritize businesses.

“Governor Abbott has finally shown his cards. He chooses to give homeowners 50% less of a tax cut, nearly $700 a year, to give corporations more. This is not what homeowners expected when they voted for him.”

Patrick stated that the House bill that Abbott endorsed was not the best bill for homestead exemptions. Furthermore, he claimed that the corporations would receive tax cuts and money by taking away money from homeowners.

“Both the House and Senate spend $17.6 billion for property tax relief. After giving lower tax rates to everyone through compression the Senate plan dedicates nearly $6 billion for homestead exemptions. That gives homeowners nearly $700 more than the Abbott plan. I'm shocked Governor Abbott is advocating for taking that additional $700 savings from homeowners and giving it to businesses.”

The Lieutenant Governor has not moved from his position.

“I stand by our bill. It is germane to the call – legal precedent is clear on this point. Something Governor Abbott and Speaker Phelan should remember -- for any bill to pass, it must go through both the House AND the Senate.”

Patrick praised the Senate’s efforts while claiming that the House had essentially given up.

“While the House may have thrown in the towel, the Senate continues to work. The Governor should feel free to expand the call to include other critical issues for our State. #txlege"

In other news, Texas Representative Pete Sessions (R) introduced new healthcare legislation, the Health Care Fairness for All Act. The bill also known as H.R. 3129 is intended to reform the health care system.

In a tweet, Rep. Sessions gave a brief recap of what the bill includes.

“My Health Care Fairness for All Act gives Americans more control, lower prices, and less hassle by: Reforming federal health tax subsidies, Offering a tax-advantaged health savings account. Removing barriers between patients and doctors,” said Rep. Sessions.

The Texas lawmaker pointed to the state of the current healthcare system as a problem.

“Our current health care system puts countless American families and individuals in no-win circumstances, forcing high costs and little choice,” said the congressman.

Rep. Sessions’s statement emphasized the need for a better healthcare system.

“The Health Care Fairness for All Act will empower Americans to make effective decisions for themselves and their families while incentivizing private markets to be more innovative and competitive. Our country should have a health care system that reflects its founding principles of freedom and opportunity.”