Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has put forth a property tax proposal that is completely at odds with the proposal advocated by Gov. Greg Abbott.
Texas Tribune reports Patrick has proposed the “Double Nickel” concept that lowers property taxes by raising the state’s school homestead exemption by $40,000 while reducing the age when homeowners’ property taxes are frozen from 65 to 55.
Last month, voters approved a $40,000 increase in the state’s homestead exemption for school property taxes from $100,000 to $140,000. The minimum exemption under Patrick’s plan would allow homeowners to cut $180,000 from the value that can be taxed by their local school district.
“We are on a path now to eliminate school property taxes for every homeowner in Texas in the next few years, no matter their age,” said Patrick in a Tuesday press conference. “In the next few sessions, we’re going to be able to eliminate school property taxes with homestead exemptions.”
Patrick’s plan is out of sync with Abbott, who previewed a plan last month anchored in the pledge to abolish school property taxes. Property tax reform is a key plank in Abbott’s 2026 re-election campaign.
“Gov. Abbott will fight for taxpayers and his comprehensive plan throughout 2026, and he looks forward to working with lawmakers to deliver lasting property tax cuts,” said Andrew Mahaleris, Abbott’s press secretary, in a statement, adding the governor looked forward to working with Patrick and legislators on the issue.
