Issue Position: Addressing Property Taxes

Issue Position

In Texas, about 53 percent of property taxes go toward funding neighborhood schools. Around 16 and 17 percent, respectively, go to cities and counties, with 13 percent to special purpose districts.

Although the state does not have a direct role in determining a homestead appraisal, there is an important step the Legislature should take to meaningfully address property taxes and the high cost to homeowners. Specifically, how we fund our public schools and increase the state's investment in public education. During the last legislative session, I joint-authored a measure that would have required the state to increase their share of school funding to at least 50 percent. By doing this, the state contribution would have increased by an estimated $10-14 billion per year, reducing the reliance on local property tax dollars. Unfortunately, it did not pass into law and as a result, homeowners did not receive the relief they need and deserve.

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