States Scramble to Cut Property Taxes After Price Hikes
Greg Abbott of Texas has proposed a $5 billion property tax cut plan that would provide relief to homeowners and businesses. The plan includes a 10% across-the-board cut in property taxes for all Texas homeowners and businesses. Abbott argues that the plan is necessary to provide relief to Texans who have been hit hard by rising property taxes.
“Texans are struggling under the weight of skyrocketing property taxes,” Abbott said in a statement. “It’s time to give them some relief and put money back in their pockets.”
The plan would be funded through a combination of state funds and budget cuts. Abbott has called on the state legislature to pass the plan quickly so that Texans can start seeing relief as soon as possible.
California
In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom has proposed a $3 billion property tax cut plan that would provide relief to homeowners in the state. The plan includes a rebate program that would provide financial assistance to homeowners who have seen their property taxes increase significantly.
“California homeowners are facing unprecedented challenges with rising property taxes,” Newsom said in a press conference. “This plan will provide much-needed relief to families struggling to make ends meet.”
The plan has received support from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, who say that property tax relief is a top priority for Californians. The plan is expected to be debated in the state legislature in the coming weeks.
New York
In New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul has proposed a $2.5 billion property tax cut plan that would provide relief to homeowners in the state. The plan includes a freeze on property tax rates for the next three years, as well as a rebate program for low-income homeowners.
“New Yorkers are struggling to keep up with rising property taxes,” Hochul said in a statement. “This plan will provide much-needed relief to families who are being squeezed by high property tax bills.”
The plan has received support from state lawmakers, who say that property tax relief is essential to keeping New York affordable for residents. The plan is expected to be debated in the state legislature in the coming months.
Overall, property tax relief is shaping up to be a major issue in state legislatures across the country in 2026. Lawmakers are under pressure to provide relief to homeowners who are struggling with high property tax bills, and governors are proposing ambitious plans to cut taxes and provide financial assistance to residents. It remains to be seen which of these proposals will ultimately become law, but one thing is clear: property tax relief is a top priority for lawmakers and residents alike.
Property tax reform is taking center stage in the upcoming election as Republican Governor Greg Abbott seeks a record fourth term in office. With a focus on limiting local spending increases and giving voters a say in eliminating school district property taxes for homeowners, Abbott’s plan is aimed at providing relief to Texas families burdened by rising property taxes.
Abbott’s proposal would restrict local spending increases to a level not exceeding the rate of population growth plus inflation or 3.5%, whichever is lower. By capping local spending, the governor aims to limit property tax increases for homeowners across the state. “Texas families must live within their means, and local governments must too,” the plan reads.
In addition to limiting spending increases, Abbott also wants to give voters the opportunity to eliminate school district property taxes for homeowners through a constitutional amendment. The governor believes that the budget surplus accumulated year after year can cover the cost of fully funding education while providing property tax relief to homeowners.
In November, Texas voters approved an amendment increasing the state’s homestead exemption, which reduces the taxable value of many residential properties. This additional relief for homeowners is part of Abbott’s broader strategy to address the issue of rising property taxes in the state.
Meanwhile, in other states like Florida, Ohio, Georgia, and Kansas, Republican governors and lawmakers are also pushing for property tax reform. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is calling for “bold” property tax relief to be on the ballot in November, with a budget proposal allocating $300 million to support counties as relief measures move forward.
In Ohio, Governor Mike DeWine recently signed five bills related to property taxes in an effort to address spikes in property tax rates. However, lawmakers in the state are facing pressure from a citizen-led initiative to abolish property taxes altogether, a move that would require significant revenue replacement measures.
In Georgia, House and Senate Republicans are considering various plans for property tax relief, including proposals to limit home valuations and potentially end homestead property taxes in the state. Similarly, in Kansas, a proposed constitutional amendment would cap property tax appraisals and limit future increases, with voters potentially having a say in August if the legislature approves the amendment.
As property tax reform takes center stage in multiple states, Republican governors and lawmakers are working to address the concerns of homeowners facing rising property tax rates. With a focus on limiting spending increases, providing relief to homeowners, and giving voters a say in the process, these efforts aim to make property taxes more manageable for families across the country.
