Gov. Abbott Releases Statement on Property Tax Dispute

As the property tax dispute between Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick (R) continues, Gov. Abbott has released a statement regarding the issue.

"We achieved a great deal during the 88th Legislative Session that I have signed into law, including laws to provide more than $5.1 billion for border security, hold rogue district attorneys accountable, and add $1.4 billion to make schools safer, but the job is not done," said Gov. Abbott.

The Governor brought attention to the House and Senate’s views on the various tax issues from the first Special Session.

"I am bringing the Texas Legislature back for Special Session #2 to provide lasting property tax cuts for Texans. During the five-month regular session, the Texas House and Texas Senate both agreed on cutting school district property tax rates, while the House wanted to add appraisal caps and the Senate advocated for increased homestead exemptions,” said Abbott.

However, it’s worth noting that both groups agreed on a set amount for the homestead exemptions.

“In today’s statement, the Governor said that during the regular session, the House and Senate both agreed on cutting school district property tax rates. He is correct. However, he did not mention that during the regular session, both the House and Senate also unanimously voted for a $100,000 homestead exemption,” said Lt. Patrick.

The Texas Governor continued his statement, not mentioning the agreement on the exemption, but instead focusing on the school property tax rates.

“The Special Session #1 agenda was limited to the only solution that both chambers agreed on—school property tax rate cuts. After yet another month without the House and Senate sending a bill to my desk to cut property taxes, I am once again putting the agreed upon school district property tax rate cuts on the special session agenda,” said Abbott.

The Texas lawmaker has taken a lot of criticism for his stance on the tax cuts, with some seeing him as not taking the necessary action to get the legislation passed.

“Unless and until the House and Senate agree on a different proposal to provide property tax cuts, I will continue to call for lasting property tax cuts through rate reductions and working toward eliminating the school property tax in Texas. Special sessions will continue to focus on only property tax cuts until property tax cut legislation reaches my desk.”

Special Session #2 contains some very important legislation for Texas taxpayers, so the House and Senate coming to an agreement will be the focus of many lawmakers as it can have major effects.