Leo Wilson tosses support behind governor's property tax plan

AUSTIN– Gov. Greg Abbott is setting his sights on an overhaul of the state's property tax system, a plan that would limit local governments' ability to raise taxes and give voters a larger say over tax rates.

Abbott recently revealed the plan as he kicked off his campaign, seeking a fourth term as he nears a historic record as the state's longest-serving governor.

"Texas is ready to overhaul the property tax system and give Texans real power to stop local governments from raising their property taxes," Abbott said on his campaign X account. "It's time to give the power back to the people."

Now, House District 23 Rep. Terri Leo Wilson is joining in with the governor as she touts the plan.

"Governor Abbott's five step plan provides the bold direction we need to finally achieve that goal," Leo Wilson said.

The two-term legislator also spoke about her own voting record on tax legislation in a press release supporting Abbott's "Five Step Property Tax Plan."

“Texans deserve real and lasting property tax relief. This past legislative session, I proudly supported historic tax cuts that delivered relief to families, homeowners, and small businesses. But we must go further," Leo Wilson said. "I remain fully committed to eliminating property taxes and replacing this broken system with one that respects taxpayers and keeps people in their homes."

The press release lays out the plan: 

Requiring common sense local spending limits

The plan limits local government spending to a formula based on population growth plus inflation or 3.5%, whichever is less. This ensures responsible budgeting and prevents unnecessary spending that drives taxes up.

Requiring two thirds voter approval for tax increases

Any local property tax increase would need the support of two thirds of voters before it could take effect. This restores the power where it belongs with the people and ensures broad consensus before taxes can increase.

Empowering voters to roll back taxes

Under this plan taxpayers would be able to force a rollback election if 15% of registered voters in a local jurisdiction sign a petition. This gives communities a powerful tool to stop runaway tax rates.

Creating appraisal predictability and capping appraisal growth

The proposal requires properties to be appraised only once every five years which would reduce unexpected valuation spikes. It also lowers the annual appraisal cap for homesteads from 10% to 3% and extends this cap to all properties including businesses and rental homes.

Eliminating school property taxes for homeowners

Abbott's plan includes a constitutional amendment giving voters the opportunity to eliminate school district property taxes the largest portion of most Texans property tax bills. This represents the most significant step toward true tax freedom for Texas families.

"These reforms put taxpayers first. I look forward to working with Governor Abbott and my colleagues to make this plan a reality," Leo Wilson said. "Texans are demanding decisive action and I will continue fighting relentlessly until we eliminate property taxes once and for all."