Texans' Property Taxes Are High. School Funding Needs an Overhaul. What Does Greg Abbott Plan to Do?

AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott has two overriding goals for his second four-year term. Here's a look at what they are and how he plans to accomplish them before the governor's Thursday news conference with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dennis Bonnen.1. Limit increases in Texans' property-tax billsAbbott's planHe wants to cap annual growth in the property-tax hauls of school districts, cities, counties and other taxing entities to 2.5 percent, not counting new construction.Who opposes it?Abbott's aides have met with hundreds of school leaders, educators and local elected officials, he said recently.Soon, at least some — he didn't say how many — "will be in favor" of some form of revenue cap, he predicted.But in 2017, groups representing cities and counties fiercely opposed a Senate-passed plan that would reduce their current annual revenue cap, which allows 8 percent growth without voter approval. It died in the House.Educator groups were not affected by the 2017 proposals. However, some school associations are skeptical about being included this time.  Continue reading...