King committee seeks taxpayer input

July 04, 2008 09:15 am

— WEATHERFORD — State Representative Phil King announced the Select Committee on Property Tax Relief and Appraisal Reform will hold a public hearing at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the University of Texas at Arlington.
King, R-Weatherford, was recently appointed to the new committee by Speaker Craddick.
The hearing is the fourth in a series being held across the state this summer in order to evaluate all matters related to property tax relief and the options for reforms to the property appraisal system.
“We’re seeking input from communities all across Texas,” King said. “This is a great opportunity for citizens to share their concerns face to face with legislators. I hope we’ll have a good turnout from Parker and Wise counties.
“I believe that the property tax system is broken and beyond repair,” King said. “Our current system actually works against home ownership. One recent Texas A&M study found that for every $1,000 that local property taxes increase another 27,000 Texans are unable to own a home.
“The right answer, as I see it, is to transition from property tax to sales tax revenue while also dedicating a portion of the state tax surplus to public education. This will be a huge, uphill battle in the Legislature but Texans have struggled long enough and it is time for dramatic tax reform.”
The select committee will issue a report to the House of Representatives prior to the opening of the 81st Legislative Session which convenes in January.
The upcoming committee hearing will be held at UTA in College Hall, Room 100. Directions to the university may be found at www.uta.edu.