Amid a property tax dispute between Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick (R), Texas Representative Vicente Gonzalez (D) is asking the Governor to suspend payments on property taxes.
“The astronomical rise in property taxes is hurting the livelihoods of South Texans. @GovAbbott you have the power to freeze property taxes and help those who need it the most,” said Rep. Gonzalez.
Rep. Gonzalez attempted to remind the Governor about the economic hurdles that Texans have faced over the last few years.
“As Texans continue to recover from the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent inflation, we must continue to ensure that our small businesses and constituents have the resources they need to thrive. However, the recent increases in property taxes are impeding the growth of our communities and local economies.”
The astronomical rise in property taxes is hurting the livelihoods of South Texans.
@GovAbbott you have the power to freeze property taxes and help those who need it the most. pic.twitter.com/FNocDQPRLk— Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (@RepGonzalez) June 5, 2023
The Texas lawmaker’s proposed changes would be in effect until the following calendar year.
“Our small businesses, low-and -middle-class families, and elderly Texans need property tax relief now. We cannot continue to ask our families to do more with less as the increasing costs of everyday items continue to strain South Texans’ budgets. I respectfully urge you again to issue an executive order to freeze all property taxes for the next calendar year, including interests and penalties.”
Rep. Gonzalez expressed his belief that the suspended tax payment would not interfere with tax-funded services.
“Freezing property taxes will allow our fellow Texans to pay the same amount they paid before while, at the same time, continuing to maintain the essential services that are funded with those tax dollars.”
The Texas Congressman requested that the Governor take executive action to stop the property tax payments.
“Governor Abbott – this is your opportunity to live up to your promises on the campaign trail and provide relief for millions of Texans. I understand that local officials set the property tax value, but you have the power as Governor to provide relief through executive action.”
Gonzalez drew attention to the importance of the matter by referencing the special session Gov. Abbott recently called to address the dispute that’s taking place between the House and the Senate, led by Patrick.
“I know you understand the urgency of this matter, as exemplified by your recent call for a special session with the demand that property tax relief be addressed.”
Though Gonzalez is for suspending property tax payments, he is vehemently against eliminating the property tax completely.
“As a result of this, the Texas House passed H.B. 1/H.J.R. 1, to provide property tax cuts, which awaits Senate action. Although I agree that we are in dire need of property tax reform, we cannot have legislation that eliminates the tax altogether. Property taxes provide the largest revenue for local services in the state of Texas including schools, roads, streets, roads, police, fire protection, emergency medical services, and more.”
The Texas Representative made one more appeal to the Governor’s ability to use executive action to suspend Texans from having to pay property taxes.
“Until the Texas State Legislature comes to a consensus on how to best move forward, I urge you again to issue an executive order to freeze property taxes for the next calendar year. Texans need assistance now, and unless you act, they risk being taxed out of their homes and their livelihoods.”
“I urge your immediate action on this issue and look forward to working with you to better the life of all Texans.”
Property taxes, and taxes in general, have been the topic du jour for many Americans. Now, many lawmakers around the country are beginning to make policies in response to the issue.
However, there continue to be disputes about the best way to slow or stop the impact of property taxes on Americans. It still remains to be seen which way is the best.
In other news, the bipartisan debt-ceiling deal, Bill H.R. 3746, also known as the Fiscal Responsibility Act, has officially passed the House of Representatives.
The Fiscal Responsibility Act increases the federal debt limit, establishes new discretionary spending limits, rescinds unobligated funds, and expands work requirements for federal programs.
Furthermore, the bill suspends the federal debt limit through January 1, 2025, and increases the limit on January 2, 2025, to accommodate the obligations issued during the suspension period.
