The lack of a progressive income tax structure gives texas few levers to ameliorate budget issues without cutting services or raising property taxes. It doesn't help the current governor seems to be pushing city budgets to the brink by also cutting off the property tax lever.
Out of curiosity, why couldn't property taxes be progressive? What stops Texas from having different tax rates based on the value of the property?
It even seems like it avoids a lot the pit falls the uber-wealthy use to avoid most progressive income taxes. Its easy to disguise income as something else. Property, though, is right out in the open. The state can easily audit and value property and send the bill. No matter how fancy the accounting, that bill will eventually reach the person "consuming" that property.
In practice, at least from what I've read, in TX, the largest/wealthiest companies get the biggest/best tax breaks (eg Tesla), and end up paying proportionally less, so it's somewhat regressive.
Not better for me. But I believe it fairer. Yes, I have no income tax. Yes, I pay a lot in property tax. But it is a better capture of wealth. I shouldn't have my property tax locked to a low value from decades ago while squatting on a large asset
The tax system in Texas is a better system. Sure, Texas has lots of problems. That doesn't mean there is nothing to learn from Texas.
I live in Texas. I don't like the restrictive laws. Texas could learn a lot for California, just not in the areas of taxation
The lack of a progressive income tax structure gives texas few levers to ameliorate budget issues without cutting services or raising property taxes. It doesn't help the current governor seems to be pushing city budgets to the brink by also cutting off the property tax lever.
https://www.texastribune.org/2026/08/17/texas-city-budgets-c...
Out of curiosity, why couldn't property taxes be progressive? What stops Texas from having different tax rates based on the value of the property?
It even seems like it avoids a lot the pit falls the uber-wealthy use to avoid most progressive income taxes. Its easy to disguise income as something else. Property, though, is right out in the open. The state can easily audit and value property and send the bill. No matter how fancy the accounting, that bill will eventually reach the person "consuming" that property.
Nothing I'm aware of stops that.
In practice, at least from what I've read, in TX, the largest/wealthiest companies get the biggest/best tax breaks (eg Tesla), and end up paying proportionally less, so it's somewhat regressive.
Better, or better for you in particular?
Not better for me. But I believe it fairer. Yes, I have no income tax. Yes, I pay a lot in property tax. But it is a better capture of wealth. I shouldn't have my property tax locked to a low value from decades ago while squatting on a large asset
> Shari-yall
Made me laugh while drinking; messy, but worth it for the smiles I'll have every time I remember it! Outstanding job, internet stranger.
Related slang options: "Y'all-Qaeda", "Yeehawdis", "Talibangelical".
It’s pretty easy not to murder babies.
Appropriate username.
Solid counter argument.