Texans are struggling with high inflation, stagnating real wages, and a housing affordability crisis. Moreover, Texas ranks 6th in the nation on the highest property tax paid. Yet, thanks to a record general revenue-related surplus of $32.7 billion, the 88th Legislature has a historic opportunity to provide all Texans with real and lasting relief. To achieve this goal, the Foundation proposes the following roadmap to help alleviate the tax burden and set Texas up for success into the future. This framework is based on 3 essentials—restraining the burden of government, returning a maximum amount of surplus revenue back to taxpayers, and recognizing the need for permanent change.
Assessing Tax Trends in Bexar County
Does history suggest that property taxes are too high in Bexar County? And, if so, have local decision-makers actively helped or hurt the situation? To help answer these questions, let’s review the county’s 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and gather four types of data—i.e., tax levies, local population, total tax rates, and taxable values—over...