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Governor Greg Abbott’s promise to eliminate property taxes isn’t just a bold idea; it’s a $38.5 billion gamble that risks the financial stability of every public school in Texas.
The promise initially appears as an enticing opportunity for Texas homeowners. However, without a clear, concrete plan, this pledge could lead to an unstable, unreliable funding system, posing significant challenges for Texas schools.
Here’s the truth homeowners deserve to hear: the money to run our public schools has to come from somewhere. Eliminating property taxes doesn’t eliminate the need for school funding; it merely shifts the burden, often unevenly. And in Texas, that shift could leave many taxpayers paying more while schools receive less.
Texas public schools rely on local property taxes for roughly half of their operating budget, covering essential costs such as teacher salaries, buses, utilities and classroom supplies. A cut to this funding without a sustainable replacement will leave our schools reeling in an environment where more funding is needed to sustain educational outcomes, not less. Crucially, property taxes ensure local accountability. Shifting the burden entirely to the state would not only destabilize funding but could also centralize control over curriculum and school spending away from local communities.
The $38.5 Billion Gap and the Alternatives To replace the full property tax funding used for school operations, the state would have to raise approximately $38.5 billion. This massive number is nearly three times the entire state budget for higher education.
Some alternative funding options exist, but the state would likely have to implement all of these politically difficult and unstable options simultaneously just to cover the gap.
With a state tax increase of three cents, the estimated annual revenue contribution would be $18 billion, though this would be a regressive tax tied to consumer spending and would hit working families hardest.
A four percent state income tax would create an estimated annual revenue contribution of $12 billion, although this is a potentially politically explosive solution. Texas takes pride in being a “no income tax” state, and this move would require a constitutional amendment.
One possible alternative is an increase in the business, fuel or “sin” tax, which would create $4 billion in revenue, although this is not enough to cover the gap.
Another unpredictable solution, which is vulnerable to economic downturns, is using $5 billion from the General Revenue, or “rainy day” fund.
The Risk to Our Schools In short, Abbott’s plan is a house of cards built on a strong economy. One economic gust, a recession, a dip in oil prices, or a drop in consumer spending, and the structure could collapse, leaving our schools cutting programs, deferring maintenance or delaying payroll.
Some proponents might argue that statelevel reforms or economic growth could offset the lost revenue. However, such outcomes are not guaranteed, and historical evidence suggests that relying solely on economic expansion or future legislative solutions may not reliably fill the funding gap.
In my own district, Gunter Independent School District, losing this essential revenue source could immediately mean larger class sizes, reduced extracurricular programs, and teacher and staff layoffs, directly impacting the quality of education for thousands of students.
Texans deserve more than slogans. Promising to eliminate property taxes without a detailed, resilient plan is not bold leadership; it is a gamble that risks the education of every child in the state. As voters and community members, it is crucial to demand transparency and accountability from our elected officials. Contact your local representatives to request detailed plans and to voice your concerns. By actively participating and asking the right questions, we can ensure that these promises are backed by viable solutions.
We can dream of tax relief, but dreams don’t pay for teacher salaries or fill school buses with fuel. Bold ideas need a solid foundation. Until a reliable, sustainable funding mechanism is put in place, the governor’s promise could leave Texas schools stranded in an economic storm.
Dr. Brandon Enos serves as the Superintendent and Lead Learner of Gunter ISD in Gunter, Texas. He is the Legislative Chair for the Texas Rural Education Association (TREA) and a dedicated advocate for Texas public school students and staff. Dr. Enos is committed to strengthening academic excellence, supporting educators, and ensuring that every student in Texas has access to a rigorous and high-quality public education.
