A Step Toward Fiscal Reform, But More Is Needed
Governor Greg Abbott’s recent “State of the State” address highlighted several important priorities for Texas. While Texans for Fiscal Responsibility (TFR) commends the Governor’s efforts to address property tax relief and hostile foreign land ownership, more action is necessary to ensure Texas continues as a leader in fiscal conservatism and limited government.
Property Tax Relief: A Good Start, But More Is Needed
One of the key issues Governor Abbott addressed was the burden of property taxes on Texans. The Governor called for property tax relief to be declared an emergency legislative item, proposing a $10 billion in new property tax relief. This is a significant start, and the Governor’s recognition that property taxes are suffocating Texans is appreciated. However, while this proposal exceeds the less than $4 billion in relief currently proposed by the legislature, it still falls short of the $24 billion surplus and the long-term goal of eliminating property taxes entirely.
Additionally, the Governor called for legislation to require that no new property taxes be raised without the approval of two-thirds of voters, something that Texans for Fiscal Responsibility (TFR) has advocated for some time. Without such a measure, Texans will continue to face the burden of out-of-control property taxes, and is an important component of eliminating property taxes altogether.
TFR supports Governor Abbott’s proposal but stresses that it must be part of an even broader, more comprehensive strategy. Property taxes must be reduced substantially by compressing rates with surplus revneues, and local government spending must be reined in to prevent taxes and debt on citizens. Texans should not face the risk of their taxes increasing due to unchecked local government spending.
The $10 billion in relief and other reforms proposed by the Governor is a good step, but it is not enough. The goal should be a pathway toward the complete elimination of property taxes, allowing Texans to truly own their property without the fear of losing it to ever-increasing tax bills.
Hostile Foreign Land Ownership: A Priority That Must Be Acted Upon
Another key issue addressed by the Governor was the growing concern of hostile foreign land ownership. Abbott’s call for legislation to prevent foreign adversaries from purchasing land in Texas is an issue TFR continues to champion. The Governor’s statement that “We have to protect Texas from infiltration by foreign adversaries” resonates strongly, as foreign ownership of both land and resources poses a significant threat to Texas’ security, economic independence, and opportunities for Texas families and businesses.
TFR advocates for legislation banning hostile foreign governments, entities, and individuals from purchasing and controlling land and natural resources in Texas. Protecting Texas’ sovereignty from foreign influence is crucial. The Governor’s prioritization of this issue is welcomed, and swift action is necessary to pass comprehensive legislation to protect Texas from hostile foreign ownership and influence.
A Step in the Right Direction, But More Needs to Be Done
While Governor Abbott’s address touched on important issues, there is still much more to be done. Property tax relief and banning hostile foreign land ownership are critical steps, but they must be accompanied by deeper reforms to ensure Texas remains on the path of fiscal responsibility. Other critical reforms include:
- Banning taxpayer-funded lobbying,
- Capping local government spending increases,
- Freezing and cutting State spending,
- Ending corporate welfare,
- Ending subsidies and magnets for illegal immigrants; and,
- Greater transparency in the State’s budget development.
TFR will continue to push for policies that limit government spending, reduce the tax burden on Texans, and protect the rights and opportunities of everyday citizens. As the legislative session moves forward, elected leaders must be held accountable to the taxpayers that put them there.
Governor Abbott’s address outlines some important priorities for Texas, and while some of his proposals are encouraging, the fight for fiscal conservatism is just begining. Texans deserve real tax relief and a government that prioritizes their freedom and financial security over big corporations, special interests or foreign entities. TFR will continue to educate citizens and work with lawmakers and the Governor to ensure these goals are achieved, and to keep Texas a beacon of liberty and opportunity for generations to come.
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