State Representative Terri Leo-Wilson has expressed her support for Governor Greg Abbott’s newly proposed five-step property tax plan. The plan aims to provide substantial and lasting tax relief for homeowners in Texas. Leo-Wilson, a Republican who was elected to the Texas State House in 2023 to represent the state’s 23rd House district, replacing Mayes Middleton, said: “Texans deserve real and lasting property tax relief.”
The proposal includes several measures designed to curb local government spending and give more power to voters. It requires local spending limits based on population growth plus inflation or 3.5 percent, whichever is less. This aims to ensure responsible budgeting and prevent unnecessary expenditure that could lead to higher taxes.
Another component of the plan mandates two-thirds voter approval for any local property tax increase, thereby placing decision-making power directly with the electorate. Additionally, it empowers voters by allowing them to initiate a rollback election if 15 percent of registered voters sign a petition.
The plan also seeks to create appraisal predictability by requiring properties to be appraised only once every five years and capping annual appraisal growth at 3 percent for all properties, including businesses and rental homes.
One of the most significant elements of Abbott’s proposal is a constitutional amendment that would allow voters to eliminate school district property taxes, which are a major part of Texans’ property tax bills.
Leo-Wilson emphasized her commitment to these reforms: “These reforms put taxpayers first. I look forward to working with Governor Abbott and my colleagues to make this plan a reality.” She added that Texans are demanding decisive action and pledged continued efforts toward eliminating property taxes entirely.