Speaker Craddick Appoints Select Committee to Study Property Taxes…Homeowners Not Holding Their Breaths
In a bold move to try and curb the property tax burden that many homeowners find eating at their pocket books, Speaker Craddick has assembled a crack shot group of lawmakers to tackle the issue and declare victory once and for all. Leading the pack is Rep. John Otto, who had this to say, “This issue of property tax increases continues to frustrate property owners who feel the current system is too subjective and unfair. I look forward to working with the committee members as we consider realistic ideas to improve the system for all taxpayers.”
Well, I don’t know about ya’ll but I’m satisfied that this rag-tag group is going to accomplish what countless special sessions, different committee chairmen, and even multiple Perry appointed commissions couldn’t. Godspeed to you, Mr. Otto and to your committee, you’re going to need it.
In all seriousness, I applaud Speaker Craddick for issuing the challenge and for Representative Otto for being up to the task. But if the Legislature really wants to do something about local property taxes, it needs to start by taking a look at its own operation and ending the horrible practice of issuing unfunded mandates once and for all. If the Legislature decides to push its will on local governments, then it needs to find the money to put behind it as well and stop leaving local governments scrambling to figure out how to cover the costs of the Legislature’s bright ideas.
Sure, ending unfunded mandates is only a part of the problem, but its something positive that can be done. Now let’s see which direction the committee takes, do the recommend increased taxes elsewhere to offset property tax reductions? Anyone up for lowering the rollback rate? Or does the committee revert back to the Legislature’s 2003 principles and cut spending to make way for the property tax decrease.
Any predictions?