AUSTIN – Today, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick gave public testimony at the Senate Select Committee on Property Tax Reform and Relief hearing in Arlington. It was a standing-room only crowd of about 500 people.
“Lowering property taxes has always been one of my top priorities,” said Patrick. “Last session the Texas Senate and voters successfully brought lasting property tax relief to homeowners across the state. However we must take the next step of reforming the process.
“Taxing entities must stop the rapid growth in property taxes. I invite local government officials to come to the negotiating table in good faith to pass reform that lowers property taxes and allows them to provide the services their constituents need. However, if they choose to continue listening to their lobbyists, who have instructed them not to compromise or negotiate, and ignore the burden faced by local property owners, they should be fully prepared for us to pass legislation without their input. Property owners are desperate for property tax relief and I intend to do all I can to deliver it to them.
“I thank committee chair Paul Bettencourt, and senators, for traveling around the state, listening to public testimony from home and business property owners and local government officials,” concluded Patrick.
