Gov. Applauds House's Swift Passage of Tax Relief While Lt. Gov. Fumes

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott issued a statement late Tuesday following the Texas House of Representatives passing HB 1/HJR 1 for substantial property tax cuts as part of the special session #1 agenda.
 
“The Texas House is the only chamber that passed a property tax cut bill that is germane to the special session that I called to provide Texans with property tax relief,” said Governor Abbott. “It provides more cuts to property tax rates than any other proposal at this time. It is supported by the most respected tax think tank in the state, as well as more than 30 homeowner, consumer, and business groups across the state. I look forward to signing it when it reaches my desk."
 
“We appreciate the swift action by the House to pass a bill that provides meaningful, permanent property tax cuts showing up in Texas mailboxes this year,” said Texas Taxpayers and Research Association (TTARA) President Dale Craymer.
 
TTARA is widely recognized as the state’s leading advocate for responsible fiscal and tax policy.
 
Yesterday, Governor Abbott announced the special session #1 agenda, including directing property tax reduction dollars to cut school property tax rates as the best method to eliminate property taxes.

The move pits the House legislation backed by Gov. Abbott against the Senate plan championed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick which would increase homestead exemptions.  

House Speaker Dade Phelan abruptly adjourned the House Sine Die, so that body cannot meet again until after the special session, which basically forces Patrick and the Senate to adopt the House legislation or adjourn until Gov. Abbott calls another special session.  

The dramatic events of Tuesday show the deep divide between Phelan and Patrick which will be on full display when the Senate begins the impeachment trial of Attorney General Ken Paxton in August.  Former President Donald Trump is a supporter of both Patrick and Paxton and the House impeachment of Paxton is an extremely rare showing of a deeply divided Texas Republican Party played out over social media and the hallowed chambers of the Texas Capitol.  

It seems President Trump's grip on the Texas GOP has weakened significantly with the impeachment of his top ally Paxton and sets the stage for 'establishment' Republicans to further marginalize Trump and his far-right wing of the GOP in the Lone Star State.  Stay tuned!