From the desk of Travis Clardy

Over the past week, House committees began hearings on appropriations, property tax reform, and school finance. One of the most newsworthy events of the week was the filing of House Bill 2 (HB 2), which lays out a structure for property tax reform.

As filed, HB 2 would reform the appraisal review board process in an effort to increase property owner engagement.

The bill changes the rollback rate from 8 percent to 2.5 percent for all taxing districts with more than $15 million in combined property and sales tax revenue, and it gives voters the power to automatically vote on a property tax rate increase that exceeds the rollback rate.

All property owners, and all taxpayers, question the fairness of our tax systems, and lawmakers should remain vigilant when it comes to taxes and fiscal policy.

In Texas, property taxes are used to fund the public school system. Therefore, property tax and school finance reform must go hand-in-hand.

I look forward to seeing how HB 2 evolves through the legislative process and to working to make sure property owners realize true relief from reform while House District 11 schools and local governments have the ability to operate effectively and efficiently for students and constituents.

This week we met with many of our friends from House District 11 who visited the Capitol to advocate for legislative change on a variety of issues.

Among them were students from Kilgore College and Tyler Junior College who traveled down as part of Junior College Day at the Capitol.

We also welcomed constituents representing the United Methodist church and Texas Farm Bureau.

I am honored you trust me to serve as your state representative, and it is a privilege to visit with you as you travel to Austin to engage in our legislative process. If you are in Austin, please stop by my office and share your interests and concerns with me.

On Feb. 5, the Legislature heard from Gov. Greg Abbott as he delivers the State of the State.