Repeating "Property Tax Relief" Doesn't Make It So

By Linda Morgan

You can click here to hear audio from State Rep. Patrick Rose as he speaks to Andrea Lorenz of the Austin Statesman on June 5, 2008.
http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/hillcountry/index.html
(Then, click on ‘Listen to our conversation here’)

Ever since the 2006 Special Session, our Governor and Legislature have been patting themselves on the back for the “so-called” one-third reduction in property tax they delivered to the Texas taxpayer. In his interview with Andrea Lorenz, you will hear Rose still bragging on that accomplishment TODAY! Yes, still touting their property tax reform, today.

First of all, I would like to put a challenge out there for anyone to bring forth their 2006 Property Tax Bill and the 2008 PropertyTax Bill and show me a 33% reduction. If there is anyone out there – please, please come forward.

They have given with one hand and taken more with the other – and then have the gall to tell us what better shape we are in.

Unbelievable.

When Texans have the right to initiative and referendum, WE can then show our Legislature what a 33% cut in property taxes really looks like. And, by gosh, that will actually mean 33% off the bottom line from our 2006 Property Tax (exactly as they promised) AND we will cap appraisal limits at 2.5% per year. And, we’ll take that retroactively – thank you very much!

It is high time for the Texas Legislature to get their foot off the property owner’s neck.

If you have not already done so, please check out www.initiativefortexas.org . We must have Initiative and Referendum rights finally given to the Texas voters. This, my friends, must come first. Only then will real property tax reform follow.

Linda Morgan retired from high-tech in Houston in 2002 and headed for the hills. She is a member of the Hays County Texas Master Naturalists Chapter through which she has learned a great deal about the conservation of our natural resources and the ever-increasing growth/development issues. Ms. Morgan is a big proponent of school finance reform and real property tax relief for Texans. She is a real estate agent and remains active in the real estate market.