Regarding “Don’t blame Austin for Harris County’s spending spree,” (Sept. 16): I tend to believe Bill King rather than Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia, mainly because he presented more actual facts. For example, there was an $89 million healthcare cost increase that carries no monthly premium for employees and $76 million for law enforcement raises, etc. Garcia, on the other hand, falls back on the old, tiring cliches like President Donald Trump and Gov. Greg Abbott giving massive tax breaks to their billionaire donor friends.
I would like to know exactly what massive tax breaks are being given. He also claims there were numerous unfunded mandates from Austin and Abbott. King lays out the numbers, cause and effect. Garcia is throwing stuff on the wall to see what will stick. We need to listen to facts, not liberal diatribe.
Thank you, Garcia, for pointing out that we should give credit to Trump and Abbott for our property taxes. As a senior citizen living primarily on Social Security in a home valued well under $400,000, I have benefited greatly from Trump’s tax reforms under the Big Beautiful Bill, receiving a refund for the first time in decades. I also applaud Abbott for the property tax relief as well; paying zero for the first time ever. These men are looking out for the working class and seniors who for years have been overly burdened with taxes.
I appreciate these two men. Finally, politicians that keep their promises.
Barbara Goodson, Kingwood
Nice try, Garcia, on blaming Trump for property tax increases. Admit it, Democrats love raising taxes and their favorite pastime is spending taxpayer money.
Raymond Martin, Mont Belvieu
Regarding “Abbott blames local officials for property tax hikes. Locals blame him,” (Sept. 23): Apparently, Abbott has never seen a budget that shouldn’t be cut. In his campaign ads, he forcefully deflects state government blame for what he contends are high property taxes and instead blames local municipalities, schools and other agencies for excessive spending. He demands spending cuts.
Abbott is apparently unaware that population is increasing rapidly, creating more demand for local service that government agencies are experiencing runaway inflation or that many Texans are facing weather events that cost them dearly. Many need help.
Abbott’s solution to property taxes is to cap budgets that he knows nothing about, and he offers no recommendations for ways the state can help.
If he wants to cut costs, Abbott might look at his own budget and stop diverting funds to an unconstitutional private school system, inflationary corporate subsidies, inefficient border security and questionable energy projects.
The only question that will determine the outcome of the midterm elections is: Who is complicit in the problems that affect me? The only answer that will drive the results is the party in charge. I am not dismissing the voter’s ability to consider each candidate’s resume or the prevailing data about today’s issues. am purposely simplifying the voter’s dilemma when he or she enters the voting booth: Forget all the noise, data, etc. Simply vote against those in power, who have chosen to allow the problems that affect me. Thus, vote against the Republican candidates. This party is complicit — remove these incompetents.
Michael Mead, The Woodlands