It's time for real property tax reform

As I speak with residents of Comal and Hays counties, I keep noticing a recurring theme: Texans are suffering from high property taxes.

Texans pay some of the highest property taxes in the nation. And with the cost of homes soaring, it doesn’t seem like relief is on the horizon. Part of the American dream is to own your own home, and no one should be taxed out of their home because they can’t afford to pay the government for what should be theirs.

I have a plan to cut property taxes in half and completely eliminate the school maintenance and operations (M&O) property tax — without raising any other taxes to compensate.

During the most recent session, the Texas Legislature adopted a more conservative budget that constrains the growth of our state’s budget to the rate of population growth plus inflation. During the third special session, the legislature earmarked $3 billion for property tax relief — a start, but not nearly enough!

My plan will limit growth in state and local government spending and use the surplus to buy down M&O taxes. This will lower our property tax bills almost immediately. Best of all, economists believe we can eliminate M&O taxes entirely in 12 years — and eliminate the “Robin Hood” recapture law that steals funding from every school district in House District 73.

With my plan, you will see lower property taxes year over year. You can read more about it here.

The legislature can exercise fiscal restraint to buy down property taxes with no additional taxes needed. The large revenue available to legislators would require minimal spending restraint to achieve significant property tax relief and reform.

It is time for Texas to alleviate this financial burden on homeowners, make it possible for first-time buyers to afford to purchase a home, and give long-time homeowners the peace of mind that they truly own their home.

Property tax relief is legislation that, as your state representative, will be my top priority. I believe in property rights, limited government, and low taxes — and I’m ready to fight for these values in the Texas Capitol.

If you agree, would you consider contributing $25 to my campaign efforts? Every dollar helps spread the word that Texas can and must cut property taxes once and for all!