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James Quintero is pushing state lawmakers to do with taxes what he largely sees as in the best interest of taxpayers across the state.
“The Texas Legislature has a historic opportunity to provide substantial tax relief to all Texans,” Quintero, Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Government for the People Initiative policy director said in a recent newsletter. “The need for real relief is great too. Thanks to Washington D.C.’s reckless fiscal path and easy money environment, Texans are paying more for food, gas, and rent. It’s been a nightmare for families and the low-income. People need a helping hand, and the state legislature is in a position to give it.”
Quintero is speaking out after a recent report from the Comptroller’s office points to a near $30 billion surplus in state funds.
With The Balance recently ranking Texas among the 10 states with the highest property tax rates in the country at a median of $4,065, Gov. Greg Abbott is quickly backing the proposal as one that will lower the heavy tax burden long strapped to the backs of taxpayers, recently tweeting “Texas comptroller estimates $30 billion account balance by next legislative session. We must use a substantial portion of this money to cut property taxes in Texas.”
In Travis County alone, data from tax-rates.org shows the average 2022 property tax bill for residents stands at $3,972.
Tax-Rates.org reports the state now has one of the highest average property tax rates in the country, with only 13 states levying higher rates. With the state’s median income at $62,353 per year, Texas is ranked 12th in the country for property taxes as a percentage of median income.