While the Texas House has yet to take up serious property tax reform, Texans want far more say in how much their tax burden rises. A new poll shows 66 percent of Texans think voters should have much tighter control over property tax burdens.

When asked at what point government should require voter approval to raise property tax burdens, the plurality of Texas voters (46 percent) said it should be when those tax burdens are raised by any amount. Another 20 percent of Texas voters said the threshold should be 2.5 percent, while 14 percent of voters would be comfortable with four percent. Only four percent of voters chose an eight percent threshold.

The majority of suburban women—51 percent—believe there should be voter approval for any increase in the property tax burden (compared to 47 percent of suburban men).

On a partisan basis, 51 percent of Republicans polled said voter approval should be required for any increase in the tax burden. Meanwhile, 49 percent of independent voters, and a plurality of Democrat voters (37 percent) agreed voter approval should be required when tax burdens are to be increased by any amount.

The poll, commissioned by Empower Texans and Texans for Lawsuit Reform and conducted by ScottRasmussen.com/HarrisX from March 23 through April 4, included 797 registered voters in Texas and has a 3.5 percent margin of error. 

Michael Quinn Sullivan

Michael Quinn Sullivan is the publisher of Texas Scorecard. He is a native Texan, a graduate of Texas A&M, and an Eagle Scout. Previously, he has worked as a newspaper reporter, magazine contributor, Capitol Hill staffer, and think tank vice president. Michael and his wife have three adult children, a son-in-law, and a dog. Michael is the author of three books, including "Reflections on Life and Liberty."

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