A major cockfight over property tax reform playing out at the Texas Capitol. Gov. Greg Abbott throws his support behind the House version after Speaker Dade Phelan abruptly adjourned the lower chamber without even considering the Senate proposal.
The House version lowers the overall amount Texas homeowners pay to school districts.
"For someone with a $300,000 home, this should save them over the next two years, about $1,000 to $1,500. The Senate is now left with a take it or leave it ultimatum on property tax relief," Rice University's Mark Jones told KPRC 2.
"The Senate, by rejecting the House legislation, is effectively thumbing its nose at the governor. And the governor can keep calling the Senate into special session all summer long."
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued a statement saying: "Governor Abbott has finally shown his cards. He chooses to give homeowners 50% less of a tax cut, nearly $700 a year, to give corporations more. This is not what homeowners expected when they voted for him."
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