State Leaders Threaten Property Tax Revenue Freeze Over Police Defunding

Fort Worth, TX -- Today at noon press conference Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R), joined by Lt. Governor Dan Patrick (R) and House Speaker Dennis Bonnen (R), outlined direction for the Texas Legislature to freeze property tax revenue at the current level for any city that defunds their police departments.

The press conference followed last week's unanimous City Council vote for the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 budget. This particular budget gained a high level of citizen participation following weeks of protests against police brutality, hours of constituent calls, and the public budget review process.

Gov. Abbott took particular aim at Austin Mayor Steve Adler and the City Council for their vote, which continued a longstanding trend of state disapproval over local actions (including the city's response to homelessness and the COVID-19).

Lieutenant Governor Patrick and Speaker Bonnen underscored their support and intent for the Senate and House to take up such legislation in the coming legislative session.

Of course the former will not be Speaker or a house member when such legislation might appear. Speaker Bonnen announced last October he would note be seeking re-election this year following an intra-party scandal (See, Texas House Speaker Dennis Bonnen won't seek reelection after recording scandal, Texas Tribune).

Additionally, presuming a potential police bill vote falls on party lines, Democrats may block such an attempt if they gain 9 seats (at the minimum). This year falling on a presidential election, some have speculated a Democratic wave up and down the ballot.

Also of note, the press conference failed to define “defunding”, the length of the penalty, or possible exemptions. These will presumably be defined once the legislation is written.

The 8th Texas Legislature will convene on January 12, 2021 until May 31, 2021.

This dispute over police funding also continues a long-standing conflict between the state and municipal governments, specifically the City of Austin, over local control.

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//The Bingham Group Team