Conservative and liberal tax policy experts said Abbott’s proposal would lead to higher housing costs and tax benefits flowing disproportionately to wealthy homeowners.
Joshua Fechter
Joshua Fechter is the Dallas-based urban affairs reporter for The Texas Tribune, covering policy — including housing affordability, housing and property taxes, evictions, policing and transportation — and politics in Texas' major metropolitan areas. Before joining the Tribune in August 2021, Joshua covered City Hall for the San Antonio Express-News. He holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin. Read Articles by Joshua Fechter
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Why Gov. Greg Abbott wants to let taxpayers decide whether cities can raise — or cut — taxes
Texas cities and counties already face limits on how much revenue they can generate. Local leaders have warned that further restrictions would mean fewer services like parks and libraries.
Posted in
Politics
Texas AG probe of nearly 1,000 cities’ finances to seek violations of new property tax law
While Ken Paxton did not allege any wrongdoing, his move is intended to enforce a new law that prevents cities from raising property taxes if they fail to follow transparency requirements.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Gov. Greg Abbott has a sweeping plan to abolish Texas’ school property taxes. Would it work?
The governor must first win over lawmakers who have rejected similar proposals. The state may have to backfill more than $17 billion for school funding alone.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Rep. Jasmine Crockett enters Democratic primary for U.S. Senate
Crockett, a second-term congresswoman, has skyrocketed to fame through viral spats with Republicans, becoming one of her party’s most prolific fundraisers.
Posted in
Politics
Islamic group sues after Gov. Greg Abbott directs DPS to investigate them
The CAIR Legal Defense Fund and another group claim the governor’s proclamation identifying them as terrorists “is defamatory and finds no basis in law or fact.”
Posted in
Transportation
Car-dominant Texas needs more public transit to meet mobility demands, TxDOT report says
As the state’s population grows, more travel options are needed in rural and smaller urban areas and between major cities, according to a draft of the first-of-its-kind plan.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Texas voters said no to property tax hikes this week, as Republican leaders signal more cuts ahead
Even voters in Austin, one of the state’s most liberal cities, shot down a measure to raise property taxes.
Posted in
2025 Texas Elections
Voters OK property tax breaks for Texas homeowners, businesses
Tuesday’s vote is part of a push by Texas lawmakers to rein in the state’s high property taxes.
Posted in
Politics
Dallas residents sue city, testing Texas law aimed at ending progressive policies
A lawsuit filed Wednesday alleges that dozens of Dallas’ city ordinances violate the 2023 “Death Star” law.