Gov. Abbott’s tax break for homeowners would sap billions in school funding
AUSTIN — Mary Nethery used to complain when the yearly property tax bill hit $5,000 for her 1,900-square-foot home in San Antonio. Now it’s pushing $9,000. In recent years, Nethery and other homeowners have shouldered an increasing burden for funding public schools in Texas, where property taxes climbed to the sixth-highest in the nation.
Read MoreLegislature to decide whether to extend tax abatements
The Victoria Economic Development Corp. wants to ensure the tax code that allows local governments to offer incentives for new-build investments in Texas is extended during the 2019 Texas Legislature.
Read MoreCommentary: Money is no barrier to school finance reform
When state legislators convene in January to address major issues facing Texas, school finance reform and property tax relief are expected to top the priority list. But revenue growth may be moderate, calling into question just how much lawmakers can accomplish, especially when schools will need an additional $4 billion in the next budget cycle just to…
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