Homeowners and businesses are struggling under the weight of Texas’ property tax. In 2015, more than 4,100 taxing jurisdictions levied $52.2 billion in property taxes, an increase of almost $12 billion over the past five years. On a per-capita basis, Texas’ property tax imposed a burden of $1,900 on every man, woman, and child in the state and cost a family of four nearly $8,000. It's time for a property tax trigger.
Historic Preservation Commissions Tread on Property Rights
John Mark Slack wanted to restore his historic San Marcos home for livability. But San Marcos’ Historic Preservation Commission demanded that in order to get a Certificate of Appropriateness—its stamp of approval—he must replace the roof, siding and doors; broaden the front porch, and add skirting to their specifications. But commissioners didn’t stop there. In...