[Jedidah]

The problem is, indeed, voters who want government to provide everything, but don’t want to pay for it themselves.

However, as a Texan, I can assure you there is a bigger problem here.

Property owners bear significantly more of the Texas tax burden than the rest of the population. We are, indeed, a low-tax state for most citizens. We do not have a state income tax, and we want to keep it that way.

That said, a way needs to be found that requires more of the burden be borne by all residents of the state, because all benefit from government services, not just property owners.

[SZonian]

I would argue that not “all benefit from government services”...unless you meant to be really specific, ie: Fire, Police, Paramedics, etc.

There is a lot CRAP under the umbrella of “government services” that honest, hardworking folks don’t see one iota of benefit from.

[Red Badger]

Same here in Florida, no income tax. We have tourist taxes that pay for a lot of stuff, and sales taxes of course, 6% state plus up to 1.5% local options for a limited time to pay for special stuff..............

[Ray76]

>> a way needs to be found that requires more of the burden be borne by all residents of the state

Reduce the burden. Everyone wins.

[Milton Miteybad]

Property owners bear significantly more of the Texas tax burden than the rest of the population. We are, indeed, a low-tax state for most citizens. We do not have a state income tax, and we want to keep it that way.

The property tax burden is particularly acute in Travis County. Much of the property that would otherwise be taxable is completely off the tax rolls because it's state office buildings and facilities. So when somebody of this mindset votes in, for instance, Dallas County, they're merely sticking themselves in the arm with a paring knife. In Travis County, however, when this airhead voted "for everything that would make this city better," she was taking a three-foot chainsaw to her own throat and pulling the trigger.

For a county of its size, Travis County has a laughably thin property tax base. Most of it is single-family dwellings and retail establishments...near zero heavy industry to fade the property tax heat on the average homeowner. So when you vote for local bond issues in Travis County, you might as well give yourself a financial enema with TNT. Cuz that's what you're doing. ;-)

[angry elephant]

“That said, a way needs to be found that requires more of the burden be borne by all residents of the state, because all benefit from government services, not just property owners.”

But don’t the renters bear a cost in that the property owners who rent to them keep their rents up commensurate to the taxes put on the owners?

[catfish1957]

However, as a Texan, I can assure you there is a bigger problem here. Property owners bear significantly more of the Texas tax burden than the rest of the population. We are, indeed, a low-tax state for most citizens. We do not have a state income tax, and we want to keep it that way.

Another trend we are seeing here in Texas, is Appraisal Districts intentionally and artificially elevating prices of properties of areas that they feel can better afford it.

Yes, we are tax averse here in Texas, but wealth redistribution is still alive and well.

[willyd]

are you under the impression that a portion of the rent people pay isn’t used for property taxes? The reason for the shift is businesses are going out of business while the number of residents in the Austin markets has tripled over the last few years...