Wednesday, January 31, 2007

PROPERTY TAXES


"A horse walks into a bar. The bartender says, 'Hey, bud, why the long face?'"

Don't know about you, but I am tremendously skeptical when it comes to politicians. I'd say a burned idealist is a cynic, and that's me. Nevertheless, the following is from our beloved guv, and forwarded by Greg and Lori Bailes.

Dear Fellow Texans,

Last August, I created the Texas Task Force on Appraisal Reform to study and make recommendations on how to address Texans' continuing concerns over skyrocketing property appraisals. The members of this special commission have now presented their recommendations to the Texas Legislature and we have a chance to provide better protections for Texas taxpayers and put a stop to runaway appraisal creep.

Texas Task Force on Appraisal Reform Recommendations:

Voter approval will be required for any property tax revenue increases that exceed 5 percent.
Elected representation on appraisal review boards
Prevent future unfunded state mandates on local government
Require sales price disclosure to increase appraisal accuracy
Greater tax predictability for homebuyers
Better protections for taxpayers by giving local communities the ability to lower the appraisal cap to 5% and double the homestead exemption

Taken together, this package will improve the accuracy of appraisals, prevent future unfunded state mandates on local government and ensure taxpayers are no longer rendered powerless in stopping large tax and spending increases that often occur without even a vote of their local representatives.

While the legislature begins to debate the commission's recommendations, it is important that Texans across the state make their voice heard and let their representatives know that they want real and meaningful taxpayer protections passed this session.

I am asking you to sign the Taxpayer Protection Petition, forward it to your family and friends and encourage them to do the same. I will then forward it on to members of the Texas Legislature so they hear - loud and clear - that Texans want, deserve and demand property tax appraisal relief now.

If you agree with me, then please join me by filling out this important petition and encouraging your family and friends to do the same.

There are several ways you can send a strong message to Austin:


Sign the Taxpayer Protection Petition


If it gives you the "incorrect email format" message, it wants everything in lower case.

Forward this email to your family and friends and encourage them to sign the petition.

Print the Taxpayer Protection Petition and ask your neighbors to fill it out
Mail completed Taxpayer Protection Petitions to:
Taxpayer Protection Petition
Texans for Rick Perry
PMB 217, PO Box 2013
Austin, TX 78768

Together, we can protect Texans from skyrocketing tax bills, provide local governments the room for growth they need, and ensure that tax relief passed last year results in greater savings.
Thank you for your support,

Rick Perry

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