As state lawmakers prepare to craft the next biennial budget, most Texans favor using some of the state’s multi-billion-dollar surplus on school safety, mental health services and tax relief for businesses and property owners.

Gov. Greg Abbott and legislative leaders have promised homeowners the largest property tax break ever. But small and medium-sized businesses also face crushing property taxes, and they do not get homestead exemptions or limits on annual increases in valuations.

Republican Commissioners Jack Cagle and Tom Ramsey boycotted Harris County Commissioners Court for weeks this past fall to force the Democratic majority to adopt a smaller budget and lower tax rates.

Taxes on owner-occupied property in Bexar County dropped by about $70 on average, according to data from the Bexar Appraisal District. In Harris County, the drop was $50.

“Owning a home gives you some equity you don’t have if you rent, but it comes with a whole wagon load of issues like property taxes, homeowners insurance, and just the cost of real estate,” O’Brien said. “People are very frustrated.”