Texas House Tax Cut Package Criticized By Lt. Gov. Patrick; “They just need to come back.”

Texas House Tax Cut Package Criticized By Lt. Gov. Patrick (PHOTO: Houston Chronicle)

Texas House Tax Cut Package Criticized By Lt. Gov. Patrick

Speaking at a press conference, Patrick criticized House Speaker Dade Phelan and other members of the lower chamber for their tax cut package, known as House Bill 1, and called on them to return to Austin to continue their work.

Patrick disputed the House’s claim that their plan offered the biggest tax cut for homeowners, stating that his proposal provided deeper tax breaks for homeowners. He emphasized that both the House and the Senate had allocated $17.6 billion in their budget for a tax cut but highlighted the Senate’s focus on homeowners rather than a broad tax cut for businesses.

The tax reduction packages proposed by the House and Senate would consume a significant portion of the state’s $32.7 billion budget surplus, leading to disagreements between the GOP-controlled House, Senate, and Governor Greg Abbott. Patrick emphasized that the Senate’s tax cut would result in savings of $1,200 to $1,400 for each homeowner, while the House plan promised around $740.

The House passed its property tax bill on the first day of the special session but promptly adjourned, putting pressure on the Senate to either accept House Bill 1 or address it in another special session. As of the latest update, the Senate had taken no action on the House bill.

During a recent meeting with Abbott, Patrick received assurance that the governor would sign any property tax bill agreed upon by both the House and Senate. Patrick urged the House to reconvene so that they could reach an agreement quickly and provide Texans with the promised tax cuts.

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Texas House Tax Cut Package

The disagreement over the Texas House property tax cut package proposal reflects the broader challenge of reconciling differing visions for tax cuts between the House and Senate.

Phelan has advocated for reducing the state’s home appraisal cap and extending it to businesses and rentals, while Patrick aims to increase the amount homeowners can deduct from the taxable value of their homes.

Patrick’s meeting with Abbott was described as productive, with the governor expressing his willingness to sign a bill that garners consensus from both chambers.

Patrick reiterated the need for the House to return to Austin, emphasizing that the tax cut could be accomplished swiftly, benefiting Texans in a short period.

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