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Welcome to the official website for the
Texas Senate
 
Senator Paul Bettencourt: District 7
 
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 20, 2020
Contact: Robert Flanagan
(318) 349-3993
Robert.Flanagan@senate.texas.gov
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Houston City Council Propose to Raise Your Property Taxes
Proposal would see average Houston homeowner paying $41.25 more on their City property tax bill
Elected officials from both parties have requested that there be no property tax increases in 2020

Houston, TX – Chairman Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston) is speaking out, along with House Ways & Means Chairman Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock), in opposition to the proposal by Mayor Turner (D-Houston) to raise property taxes during a COVID-19 and Energy economic slump. The proposal from Mayor Turner would see the average Houston homeowner owing an additional $41.25 more in property taxes compared to their 2019 city property tax bill, despite a small proposed reduction (6/10ths of a penny) in the city’s overall property tax rate.

“Unfortunately, the City is using the old rollback rate of 8% to justify a small property tax increase when even the City of Austin is using the newly passed 3.5% rollback limit in Senate Bill 2,” said Chairman Bettencourt. “If it is good enough for Austin why is it not good enough for H-Town? We shouldn’t be raising taxes on home and businessowners when they are in a COVID and Energy economic downturn!”

Chart 1

“Ironically, back in May, members of the Texas Democratic Congressional called on Governor Abbott to suspend any ‘raises, interest and penalties on Texas property taxes for the current year,” added Chairman Burrows. “Now we see a proposal in Houston to do the exact opposite!” Signatures included US Reps Fletcher (D), Garcia (D), and Jackson-Lee (D). (read more: https://bit.ly/37vHSZr)

“It appears that elected officials of both parties agree that 2020 is NOT the year to raise property taxes on home and business,” concluded Chairman Bettencourt.

Houston City Council is scheduled to take up the proposal at their Wednesday, October 21st meeting at City Hall. The hearing will begin at 9:00 AM. If you wish to attend call the City Secretary.

 

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