Past Contributions

• Billions in property tax cuts need Texas voters’ approval before taking effect. Here’s what you need to know.

  By Karen Brooks Harper Updated: Aug. 7, 2023

  Legislation passed this month would raise the state’s homestead exemption to $100,000, lower schools’ tax rates and put an appraisal cap on residential and commercial properties, among other measures. But voters must approve a constitutional amendment first. Full Story 

• Gov. Greg Abbott signs $18 billion tax cut package for Texas property owners

  By Karen Brooks Harper July 24, 2023

  At a time when the state has some of the nation’s highest property taxes, the initiative was a cornerstone of his 2022 reelection campaign. Full Story 

• Long-awaited $18 billion property tax-cut deal heads to Gov. Greg Abbott

  By Karen Brooks Harper Updated: July 13, 2023

  House Democrats attempted to insert benefits for renters and more money for public education into the tax-cuts package in a series of floor amendments but were unsuccessful. Full Story 

• Property tax cuts hit the fast track as Texas Senate advances long-awaited agreement

  By Karen Brooks Harper Updated: July 12, 2023

  The package could land on Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk by the end of the week. Voters must pass the plan in a constitutional election in November for it to take effect in the 2023 tax year. Full Story 

• Texas House and Senate reach a deal on how to cut property taxes

  By Karen Brooks Harper and Joshua Fechter Updated: July 10, 2023

  The deal would channel $12 billion to reduce the school property tax rate for homeowners and business properties, increase the homestead exemption, and create a pilot program to reduce taxes on certain residential and commercial properties. The legislation is expected to pass later this week. Full Story 

• With second special session underway, Texas lawmakers offer opening property tax-cut proposals

  By Joshua Fechter, Karen Brooks Harper and James Barragán June 28, 2023

  A stalemate among Texas’ top Republicans has dragged on for months. Tax-cut proponents in the House and Senate made their first pitches to end the impasse Wednesday. Full Story 

• Some conservatives’ long-term goal in property tax fight: get rid of school taxes altogether

  By Karen Brooks Harper June 19, 2023

  Gov. Greg Abbott has thrown his weight behind the idea being pushed by an influential conservative think tank. Many school leaders are worried. Full Story 

• This year, Texas lawmakers zeroed in on existing health care programs, leaving bolder measures by the wayside

  By Stephen Simpson, Eleanor Klibanoff and Karen Brooks Harper June 8, 2023

  Pregnant moms on Medicaid will get health care coverage for a year, patients will get more detailed billing and nurses will get help with school loans. But efforts failed to gain steam for legalizing fentanyl test strips, increasing the pool of mental health professionals who accept Medicaid and expanding Medicaid benefits to more Texans. Full Story 

• Texas comptroller certifies new $321.3 billion state spending plan, sends to Abbott’s desk

  By Karen Brooks Harper June 7, 2023

  Before Abbott can review the budget that will direct the state’s spending for the next two years, the comptroller has to certify that it doesn’t spend more money than the state expects to bring in. Full Story 

• Dan Patrick says Senate won’t budge on property tax relief — but there’s no House to negotiate with

  By Karen Brooks Harper and Uriel J. García Updated: June 6, 2023

  Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says the Senate won’t accept a property tax relief bill the lower chamber left behind before adjourning for the special session. A bill targeting migrant smuggling also appears imperiled. Full Story