Write your own
property tax bill.
"We the people" can write our own property tax bill by
taking time to become involved in a very important political process
issue that affects the future of Texas and the entire United States.
Everything old is new again. Old letter well worth reading
and supporting!
February 13. 2002
Mr. Dan Hart
71 Hibury Drive
Houston, Texas 77024
Dear Mr. Hart:
Thank you for contacting me regarding House Bill 1060 relating to
the use of small claims courts in tax disputes. Few people are
willing to take the time to become involved in the political process
and express their opinions, and I appreciate your willingness to do
so.
I do believe that all property taxpayers should have timely and
cost effective legal appeals no matter how small the tax amount in
dispute. I will certainly take into consideration your concern and
will do what I can to insure the fair treatment of taxpayers while I
pursue relief for Texans through the abolishment of school district
property taxes.
During the 77th Legislative Session, I filed House Bill 3259
relating to the abolition of school district property taxes, an
increase in the rate of the state sales and use tax and the
application of the state sales and use tax to any transaction in
this state, including a sale for resale, involving real property,
and the distribution of the proceeds from the sales and use tax to
replace school district property tax revenue.
The goal of this legislation was to abolish the property tax as
we know it and fund our public school systems 100% through the sales
tax. The funding of public education in this state is in danger of
being determined unconstitutional as many districts reach the $1.50
cap. The over reliance on local property taxes to fund Kindergarten
through l2th grade (K-12) education coupled with inequities among
the levels of student funding within school districts have resulted
in a need to reform the current funding system. Just the extensive
complexity of the funding system itself demands that reform be made
a top priority during the next Legislative Session.
Page Two
Mr. Dan Hart
By incorporating additional services or products under the sales
tax umbrella, such as real estate, the legislature could effectively
abolish the school portion of the property tax. Positive effects of
this type of move would be largely felt by the average
homeowner/landowner decreasing in some cases monthly mortgage
payments, eliminating the need for tax abatements as an economic
lure and creating student financial equality within all districts.
Such a proposal could include an increase in the state sales tax,
a greater number of goods
and services included under the sales tax umbrella, a redirection
of some general funds from non- educational to K-12 spending, and an
increase in the cigarette and/or alcohol tax. A fund similar to the
permanent school fund would be established to allow for continued
funding through highs and lows of the state's economy.
I have proposed that the current property tax be replaced with a
sales tax on property when it is sold. Rather than an unknown tax
that punishes you for the rest of your life if you invest in your
own piece of Texas, this would be a one time tax that you can
calculate for when making your home purchase. Under this proposal,
when you finish paying off the house, it is yours. You no longer
have to rent it from the government. Best of all, senior Texans will
not be run out of their homes because of a property tax that costs
more than the mortgage was when they bought the home.
Positive effects of this type of move would include decreasing
monthly mortgage payments, eliminating the need for tax abatements
as an economic lure and creating student financial equality within
all districts.
As I plan to again file this proposal, could I ask for support
from your organization? Your
contact and show of support to your local representative and
senator will go a long way in seeing
this important piece of legislation pass to the citizens of Texas
for a vote.
Again, thank you for taking the time to become involved in an
issue that affects the future of Texas. If I may provide additional
information or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Very truly yours,
ss/ Rick Green
Rick Green
State Representative, District 46
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