Measurement of tax decreased ownership of the Texas advances in the state capitol – Fox 26 Houston

Austin, Texas – The continuing plumbing for relief from the ever -increasing property taxes is completely underway to the state capitol with a particular focus on reducing the weight for the elderly.

Texas SB4 progresses outside the committee, will lift the release from Homestead

“The sad situation is that people lose their homes because they can’t pay taxes and that’s actually the case,” says Susan Spataro, a taxpayer lawyer.

“Many of our elderly people move to the homeless category, unfortunately, because of the limited income and expenses and staying in their home are so important to them,” says Charles Skoma with Texas Silver Hair legislation.

The story:

Enter the Houston State Senator Paul Betencurt, author of SB-4, a measure aimed at investing $ 2.9 billion from the state surplus in raising current school tax release from $ 100,000 to $ 140,000 a year and a decrease from $ 500, while effectively eliminating the price entirely for 80% of the elderly.

“This is part of this, I think, the moral responsibility that the elderly should be kept in their homes,” Bettencort said.

“This allows ours especially over 65 (homeowners) to continue to be able to afford to own their family home in which they raised their children. I hope we will never hear these stories that I will have to sell this house again, because I cannot afford property taxes, “said State Senator Mace Middleton.

What the other side says:

As the SB-4 approaches the unanimous two-party support, some of the left offered during the hearing of the committee on Tuesday that the focus on tax reduction is to overturn other areas of deep need.

“We think it’s time to take a step back and think about whether we should continue to make more tax reductions or we should think about some of the other priorities for our country, namely investing in our public schools, in our state workforce, In our infrastructure and our healthcare system, “said Shannon Halbrook of the advocacy group, every Texan.

Dig for a deeper:

In what is indicated by the “harmless” component, the SB-4 restores the school areas of Texas every dollar, providing homeowners in tax relief.

The SB -4 came out unanimously from the committee – and now it is heading for a vote from the full senate.