The M&O Has to Go
What to Know: Last week, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said he wants major property tax changes. He announced: “My goal is to eliminate the school property taxes imposed in the state of Texas so that people can genuinely own their own home without being taxed out of it.”
The TPPF Take: No Texan should be taxed out of their home. It’s time to end school district maintenance and operation (M&O) taxes.
“Next session, the Texas Legislature has a golden opportunity to use surplus and savings to permanently compress the school district M&O property tax in a big way. Over time, policymakers can eliminate it entirely thereby removing a major burden on homeowners. This should be a top priority next session,” says TPPF’s James Quintero.
For more on property taxes, click here.
That Debate
What to Know: Gov. Abbott squared off with Democratic challenger Beto O’Rourke last week in the race’s only debate.
The TPPF Take: It’s as if O’Rourke isn’t running against Gov. Abbott—he’s running against Texas itself.
“But he doesn’t understand Texans,” says TPPF’s Sherry Sylvester. “The Texas Public Policy Foundation conducted focus groups last year asking Texans across the state what they believe about the Lone Star State. We learned that Texans, regardless of race or ethnicity and even most Democrats, are proud of being Texans because, they said, Texas is a state that does things right.”
For more on the debate, click here.
Energy Crisis
What to Know: The world is suffering from a self-inflicted energy crisis.
The TPPF Take: The self-imposed energy crisis, not the climate, is the real emergency here.
“This year, Americans will pay $5,200 more than last year to cover rising prices of gas, electricity, and everyday items,” says TPPF’s Jason Isaac. “That’s what matters.”
For more on the energy crisis, click here.