FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
Tuesday, April 16, 2019

CONTACT:
Sam Pohl, press@TexasGOP.org

Texas Senate Delivers Crucial Property Tax Reform to Benefit Texans
Texas Senate Bill 2 Passes With Republican Majority

AUSTIN, TX – Yesterday the Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 2 (SB 2). SB 2 reforms the tax code to improve transparency and reduce future property tax increases. Republican Party of Texas Chairman James Dickey commented:

“Thank you to our Republican Legislators who have shown leadership in delivering the property tax reform Texans deserve. This is one of our Legislative Priorities, voted on at Convention by thousands of Grassroots activists. Hard working taxpayers deserve to have their voices heard by their local government and taxing units. By ensuring the election falls on a uniform election day, our Legislators are ensuring that all members of the community have the opportunity to determine where they want to put their hard earned dollars – in their own pockets or in the hands of government.”

SB 2 creates a “real-time tax rate notice” designed to give property owners real-time notice of proposed property tax increases. This information will be available online where property owners can input their address and view the tax rate notice for their property. This increases transparency and empowers property owners to have their voices heard by local taxing units.

Chairman Dickey continued:

“These real-time notices along with the requirement that they clearly state a proposed tax increase are important for expanding transparency within government – which is sorely needed.”

Republican Senator Paul Bettencourt is the author of SB 2 while Senators Brandon Creighton, Kelly Hancock, Angela Paxton, and Larry Taylor were joint authors. The bill was also co-authored by Senators Donna Campbell, Pat Fallon, Pete Flores, Bob Hall, Brian Birdwell, Charles Schwertner, and Jane Nelson. Representative Dustin Burrows filed House Bill 2, which is the companion to SB 2, in the Texas House.

Senator Paul Bettencourt stated:

“As values go up tax rates will come down, for the first time the public will be going to the polls to vote on their taxes. Rollback rates were slashed from 8% to 3.5%. This is the first time its been done in 38 years and a major property tax reform bill hasn’t passed in 40 years.”

Chairman Dickey concluded:

“While several important steps remain before Texans can see the property tax cuts they so sorely need, we applaud our Republican Senators and the Lieutenant Governor for taking this important step. By making the needs of hard working Texans a priority, they will provide real relief to all who need it most.”

To see the release on Senate Bill 2 from the Texas Senate Republican Caucus, click here.

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