The Texas State Senate - Jane Nelson Press Releases

TEXAS SENATE APPROVES SCHOOL FINANCE REFORM PACKAGE

AUSTIN -- For the third time in the past three years, the Texas Senate has approved a plan to reduce property taxes and implement new methods of funding for public education in Texas. Senators approved HB 3 by a 20-8 vote in the early morning hours today (3:34 a.m.).

"As a former public school teacher who served two terms on the State Board of Education, I want to ensure that our legislation provides a viable funding system that will not only support our schools but also encourage academic success," Senator Nelson said. "As a businesswoman, it is important to me that we do not replace Robin Hood with a levy of taxes on businesses. I voted for HB 3 only after the payroll tax was removed and a sunset date was added for the franchise tax. I will continue to press on those fronts as the process continues."

HB 3 now moves to a conference committee made up of Senators and Representatives from the Texas House to iron out differences between the two versions. The version approved by the Senate includes the following highlights:

Property tax rate cap reduced 20 cents per $100 valuation in 2006 and another 5 cents in 2007, with rate dropping a total of 40 cents (from current $1.50 to $1.10) by 2010.
Provides $4.8 billion overall property tax relief for 06-07.
Closes Delaware and Geoffrey Loopholes.
Franchise tax repealed by January 1, 2008.
Sales tax rate increases by half a cent.
Additional $1 per pack tax placed on cigarettes.
Alcohol taxes increase by 20 percent.

SENATOR JANE NELSON, R-LEWISVILLE, represents District 12, which includes parts of Tarrant and Denton counties.