Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
Austin, TX – February 19, 2025 – Governor Greg Abbott reinforced his commitment to addressing rising property taxes during his keynote address at the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s (TPPF) annual Texas Policy Summit. Speaking before a packed audience, Abbott highlighted the growing burden of property taxes on Texas homeowners. He called for a major reform to close loopholes that allow local taxing entities to raise rates with minimal voter oversight.
“Texans should not have to worry about being taxed out of their homes,” Abbott declared. “We must put an end to the loopholes that local governments use to increase property taxes without sufficient voter approval. The people of Texas deserve the power to decide.”
The governor proposed a significant change: requiring a two-thirds voter approval for any property tax increases imposed by local taxing entities. Under the current system, local governments can often raise taxes without direct voter input, relying on mechanisms such as appraisal increases or small rate adjustments that, when combined, lead to substantial tax hikes over time.
Despite past legislative efforts to cap tax growth, many local governments continue to find ways to collect more revenue. By using rising property appraisals and debt financing, cities and counties have managed to circumvent legislative caps, leading to higher tax bills for homeowners. Abbott and other tax reform advocates argue that without a stricter voter approval process, Texans will continue to face skyrocketing property tax burdens.
The governor pointed to recent cases where local governments raised tax rates while blaming rising property values for higher bills. “They tell Texans, ‘We didn’t raise your tax rate,’ but the end result is the same: you’re paying more,” Abbott said. “That’s taxation without honest accountability.”
Abbott’s plan would require a supermajority (two-thirds) of voter approval for all tax increases, making it significantly harder for local governments to increase tax burdens without clear public support. His proposal aligns with conservative principles of limited government and taxpayer control, which have been central to his administration’s fiscal policies.
Supporters of the measure argue that it will create transparency and give voters a stronger voice in tax decisions. “If the government truly needs more money, they should have to justify it to the taxpayers, not sneak it through appraisal increases and loopholes,” Abbott stated.
Not everyone agrees with the governor’s proposal. Some local government leaders argue that requiring a supermajority vote for tax increases could make funding essential services, including public safety, infrastructure, and education challenging. They also contend that rising costs and inflation have made it harder for cities and counties to maintain services without modest revenue increases.
However, Abbott remains firm in his position, arguing that local governments should prioritize responsible spending rather than relying on tax increases. “Texas thrives when its people—not bureaucrats—control how their money is spent,” he said.
The 89th Texas Legislature convened its regular session on January 14, 2025, and is scheduled to adjourn on June 2, 2025. Governor Abbott’s proposal is expected to ignite intense debate among lawmakers, local officials, and taxpayers. While Republican leaders in the Texas Legislature have largely supported efforts to restrict tax hikes, securing enough votes for a constitutional amendment requiring voter approval could be a significant challenge.
As property tax concerns continue to top the list of issues for many Texans, Abbott’s plan could gain traction among voters who have long sought relief from escalating tax bills. “This is about protecting Texans’ hard-earned money,” Abbott concluded. “And I won’t stop fighting until we deliver real, lasting property tax reform.”
Sources: TPPF, Texas Gov., Texas Policy Foundation, KXAN
