Gov. Perry Urges Legislators to Stop Appraisal Creep

ARLINGTON – Speaking at the home of an Arlington couple whose property tax bill has jumped substantially from 1996 – 2003, Gov. Rick Perry today called on state legislators to enact taxpayer protections to stop appraisal creep and runaway property taxes.

“Texans are being priced out of their homes,” Perry said. “This Legislature has a great opportunity to stand up for millions of property taxpayers by providing rate relief and appraisal relief.”

Perry spoke at the home of Bruce and Carol Deramus whose property tax bill totaled approximately $1,900 in 1996 but increased to $3,300 by 2003. Twice during that period the Deramus’s were told a tax cut was on the way only to be disappointed.

Perry has offered a plan that limits the growth in appraised values for residential properties to 3 percent and noted that the members of the Texas legislature are seriously considering an appraisal cap. Perry has also proposed a property tax revenue cap that will require voter approval for any tax levy increase when local revenues grow above a cap that is automatically adjusted for inflation and population growth. The revenue cap will provide significant protections for both residential and business property owners.

“When government prices people out of their homes, it tears away a piece of the American Dream,” said Perry. “Let’s help Texans keep the home of their dreams. A home is more than an investment, it is where families grow and memories are made.”

Perry noted that on a $167,000 house, a revenue cap will save a taxpayer more than $2,600 over the next six years.

“By limiting taxation by valuation, we will not only control tax bills, we will give Texans tax certainty. They will be able to budget for the future and not see their plans evaporate when they get an unwelcome surprise from the local appraiser,” Perry said.