Texans across the political spectrum have been clamoring for property tax reform, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that the taxers are unified in opposing it. But the contemptuous language being used to describe taxpayers demonstrates just how worried local bureaucrats are about power being given to the people.
Tax-funded lobbying associations are working overtime to attack the taxpayer protections being brought forward in the special legislative session by Gov. Greg Abbott. For example, Texas Municipal League, which is funded by dues cities pay from tax dollars, has devoted extensive resources to oppose property tax reforms.
Meanwhile, a lobbyist for the Texas Association of Counties, Paul Sugg, told the San Antonio Express News that tax reform measures must be opposed because reform measures were “red meat in front of ravenous wolves.” Sugg’s salary comes from dues counties pay with tax funds.
Perhaps the “wolves” (taxpayers) wouldn’t be so “ravenous” if the taxing entities Sugg represents weren’t constantly working to undermine taxpayers.
The specific proposal Sugg was attacking on behalf of his paymasters would increase local control by putting taxpayers in the driver’s seat when it comes to tax increases. The TAC would prefer to make it harder for taxpayers to challenge ever-growing tax burdens.
If your Republican-controlled county is paying dues to the Texas Association of Counties, it is very likely those Republican county officials (despite what they say at home) oppose the taxpayer protections long supported by the Republican Party of Texas… as evidenced by their association’s efforts lobbying against Gov. Greg Abbott’s pro-taxpayer agenda.
One way local Texas officials could save money, and demonstrate their loyalty to their citizens, is to stop paying for anti-taxpayer drivel by ending their relationship with the Texas Association of Counties and the Texas Municipal League.
