Why Property Taxes Shouldn’t Be the Only Way Texas Funds Public Services

Homeownership Shouldn't Feel Like a Lifetime Lease

If you’ve lived in Texas long enough, you’ve probably had that moment:
You finish paying off your mortgage—and your property tax bill still feels like a second one.

And while Texas has made headlines for not having a state income tax, we make up for it with some of the highest property tax rates in the nation.

But here’s the truth: Property taxes and income taxes aren’t the only ways to fund a functioning state government.

Texas Has Other Revenue Options And We’re Already Using Them

Let’s take a step back. What actually pays for public services in Texas?

Most of our public school funding comes from local property taxes. But other states are proving that’s not the only path.

Texas already produces massive revenue from sources like:
✅ Sales Tax – Texans pay over $40 billion in sales tax annually
✅ Severance Taxes – Oil and gas extraction brings in billions
✅ State Surplus Funds – We’ve had multi-billion-dollar budget surpluses for several years running

These streams of income already exist. We just need to restructure how we use them.

The Case for Restructuring, Not Raising

Let’s be clear, this isn’t about cutting essential services like education, infrastructure, or public safety. It’s about distributing the tax burden in a way that doesn’t leave homeowners footing the bill year after year with no end in sight.

Other states use combinations of sales tax and energy revenue to fund public schools, agencies, and infrastructure. Texas, home to some of the richest natural resources and the largest economic surplus in the country, should be leading the way.

Big State. Big Economy. Big Possibilities.

Texas has never been shy about doing things differently. So why are we still leaning on property taxes like it’s the only way?

The future of Texas should be one where:
• Homeowners aren’t taxed out of their homes
• Seniors aren’t afraid to retire in place
• Families can invest in their communities with confidence

With smart policy and bold leadership, we can build a system that funds our state without keeping homeowners on a financial leash.

Let’s Start the Conversation

What if Texas became the first state to eliminate property taxes?
What if we finally proved that homeownership can come without permanent strings attached?