A new poll finds voters consider property taxes a serious problem in Texas, and they want something done in the current special session.
A poll of 803 registered voters recently published by the Texas Public Policy Foundation shows that in June 2021, 76 percent of registered voters in the state agree property taxes are “a major burden for them and their family,” and an overwhelming 82 percent believe property taxes in Texas are a “serious issue.”
Additionally, TPPF recently reported property taxes have skyrocketed by 181 percent in the last 20 years. That’s far more than population growth plus inflation, a standard that TPPF says “measures people’s ability” to pay these taxes.
Despite polling showing consistently strong voter concern on this issue as far back as January 2019, the Texas Legislature didn’t deliver any meaningful reductions in property tax bills during the Legislature’s regular session this year.
On July 7, Gov. Greg Abbott included delivering property tax relief as part of his agenda for the state Legislature’s first special session this year, which began on Thursday. The TPPF poll found 71 percent of registered voters would be upset “if the current legislative session ended with nothing done to address property taxes.”
“Texans are being forced out of their own homes by insatiable local governments looking to squeeze every dime out of taxpayers,” said TPPF Chief Economist Vance Ginn. “Texans literally can’t afford for the legislature to wait years to address the issue or make small changes to the system. It’s time for bold action. Policymakers now have the opportunity to get it done in the special session.”
TPPF had WPA Intelligence administer the poll, surveying 803 registered voters. The poll’s margin of error is +/- 3.5 percent.
Citizens concerned about property tax bills may contact Gov. Abbott, their state senator, and their state representative.
