At a campaign rally recently in McKinney, Texas, Governor Greg Abbott announced his support for an amendment to the Texas Constitution to ban the state personal income tax.
Texas is one of only a few states that doesn’t impose a state income tax on its citizens. You may be surprised to know that contrary to popular belief, the Texas Constitution does not actually bar the state from imposing an income tax.
During last year’s legislative session in Austin, I filed House Joint Resolution 58 to do just that. You can find a copy of my bill here. While this legislation didn’t make it to Governor Abbott’s desk for his signature, I plan to file this legislation again during the legislative session next January. With the help of Governor Abbott, I am hopeful that we will be able to present a constitutional amendment for you to vote on next year.
Amendments to the Texas Constitution require not only a vote of two-thirds of the legislature, but also a majority vote of the people to enact. If a personal income tax ban is passed by the Texas Legislature and approved by the voters, it will be much harder for a future legislature to tax the incomes of hard-working Texans like you, and will require a vote of the people, not politicians, to put in place. I look forward to working with Governor Abbott and his staff on this important change to our state’s constitution next year.
Rep. Schofield Meets with Congressman McCaul on Third Reservoir Funding
On August 18th, I received a briefing in Katy from Congressman McCaul on the progress of federal funding for a third reservoir and other projects to prevent flooding in Harris County.
Rep. McCaul has been able to secure federal funding for flood control projects in our county, including for a third reservoir.
I want to thank Congressman McCaul for his leadership in working to keep our neighbors’ homes safe.
We recognize how valuable and important your property is, and will work to protect it against flooding and other natural disasters for the future.
Harris County Voters Pass $2.5 Billion Flood Bond
On August 26, the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Harvey making landfall on the Texas Coast, Harris County voters approved about $2.5 billion in bonds for flood control measures in Harris County and HD 132.
This bond money will be used for conveyance and flood mitigation projects throughout Harris County. This is the largest bond measure Harris County voters have ever passed, done with 85% support. The bond will allow County officials to begin new projects over the next decade, including floodplain mapping, detention basins, and channel improvements.
District Spotlight: Events Around Town
On August 25, I had the opportunity to attend the grand opening of Cy-Fair Volunteer Fire Department Station 13 and meet with our neighbors in Cypress. This new fire station will serve our neighbors in the Bridgeland area as Cypress continues to grow and expand. I also got to chat with Bridgeland and Cypress residents about the Harris County Flood Control Bond, Hurricane Harvey relief, and property tax relief.
I love engaging directly with you at events like this in the district, so let me know if you’d like me to visit your group or organization.
Thank you and God Bless Texas,