Craddick Announces Property Tax Relief and Appraisal Reform Committee

Tom Pauken and his committee put in a lot of hard work touring Texas two years ago, researching and hearing testimony for appraisal caps and property tax relief. With this committee, Texas taxpayers may get some additional relief.

I am especially excited that Ken Paxton is on the committee. I know from personal experience that he is committed to reducing the tax burden on Texans. He worked very hard in the 80th Session to lower property taxes, including carrying legislation that would have reduced property taxes an additional 8 cents per $100 of valuation.

CRADDICK ANNOUNCES THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON PROPERTY TAX RELIEF AND APPRAISAL REFORM

For Immediate ReleaseWednesday, April 23, 2008

Austin) - Speaker Tom Craddick (Midland), today, announced the formation of the Select Committee on Property Tax Relief and Appraisal Reform, which will oversee all matters relating to property tax relief and reforming the property appraisal system. Rep. John Otto (Dayton) will chair the committee and Rep. Ken Paxton (McKinney) will serve as vice chair.

"The House is committed to doing everything it can to provide meaningful and responsible property tax relief to those who are strained by the burden of soaring taxes," Speaker Craddick said. "Under the experienced leadership of Rep. Otto, I have full confidence that the members of this committee will come together and create a workable solution to this issue."

The committee will review the sections of the Texas Constitution and the tax code that limit or authorize limiting the appraised value or increases in the appraised value of property for tax purposes. It may request assistance from any executive branch agency, and it will issue a report to the House of Representatives before the 81st Legislative Session, which may include draft legislation or recommendations for legislation.

"I would like to thank Speaker Craddick for allowing me to chair this committee," Rep. Otto said. "This issue of property tax increases continues to frustrate property owners who feel the current system is too subjective and unfair. I look forward to working with the committee members as we consider realistic ideas to improve the system for all taxpayers."

The committee members include: Rep. Drew Darby (San Angelo), Rep. Gary Elkins (Houston), Rep. Ismael "Kino" Flores (Palmview), Rep. Dan Flynn (Van), Rep. Dan Gattis (Georgetown), Rep. Joe Heflin (Crosbyton), Rep. Phil King (Weatherford), Rep. Tracy King (Batesville), Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon (San Antonio), Rep. Inocente "Chente" Quintanilla (Tornillo) and Rep. Larry Taylor (Friendswood).

CONTACT
Alexis DeLee or Chris Cutrone (512) 463-0223
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Craddick Appointees to the Business Tax Advisory Committee

Speaker of the Texas House Tom Craddick appointed Representatives Warren Chisum (R-Pampa) and Myra Crownover (R-Denton) to the Business Tax Advisory Committee today. Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst will appoint two Senators. Comptroller Susan Combs will serve on the Committee as will 14 Texas citizens.

The business tax was created in 2006 during the Special Session of the 79th Legislature. The goal of the business tax was to generate revenue so the State Legislature could buy down property taxes from local school districts. In reality, the Legislature expanded the existing franchise tax which Republicans fought for 15 years to remove from law after Governor Ann Richards signed it into law.

I would have preferred to have Representatives John Smithee and Ken Paxton as members of the Business Tax Advisory Committee as both of these fine men serve on the Ways and Means Committee and have studied this issue in depth. Also, both of these men voted against the expansion of the franchise tax.

It should be noted the bill (HB 3, 79S3) that expanded the franchise tax was passed 80-68, by a Legislature controlled by Republicans. The Republicans that voted against the business tax were:

Dwayne Bohac (Houston)
Carter Casteel (New Braunfels)
Linda Harper-Brown (Irving)
Will Hartnett (Dallas)
Harvey Hilderbran (Kerrville)
Charlie Howard (Sugar Land)
Bryan Hughes (Mineola)
Delwin Jones (Lubbock)
Bill Keffer (Dallas)
Jodie Laubenberg (Rockwall)
Ken Paxton (Frisco)
Debbie Riddle (Houston)
John Smithee (Amarillo)
Robert Talton (Pasadena)

Of these Republicans, Carter Casteel and Delwin Jones are RINO's and were voting against Craddick, not against raising taxes.