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The forwarded email is one that is

Affairs on being distributed throughout the state as part of a deliberate
TexasRealtors.co
misinformation campaign. The information contained in the email is
m
false. The claim that Propositions 2 and 3 could even potentially create a
new state tax or raise taxes is absurd and those spreading this claim are
deliberately preying on the fears of uninformed voters in hopes that they
will not actually read the proposals.

Propositions 2, 3 and 5 actually help ensure fair and uniform tax

appraisals for property owners. Here are brief explanations of what all
three amendments will actually do:

Proposition 2: Homeowners in Texas are well aware of

astronomical increases in appraised values. These increases can
be made ever worse when chief appraisers choose to bypass taxing
a property as homestead, and base their taxes on the “highest and
best use” of the property. Proposition 2 protects homeowners, who
happen live in or near commercial areas, by mandating that their
residence be appraised only as a residence, regardless of what the
highest and best use of the property might be.

Proposition 3: Current law requires that standards and procedures

for the appraisal of property to originate in the county were the tax is
imposed. As a result property owners are often victimized by a
hodgepodge of inconsistent rules and standards throughout the
state. This constitutional amendment corrects this problem by
simply requiring an appraisal district to follow standard appraisal
methods and procedures.

Proposition 5: Appraisal review boards have the responsibility to

resolve disputes between property owners and county appraisal
districts when the taxable value of a property is being challenged.
The property owner is always best served when the review boards
are comprised of members who understand the issues and
complexities of property valuations. Some rural counties have
difficulty finding board members to meet these standards. This
constitutional amendment will simply give these counties the option
to pool together their qualified applicants to better ensure the
property owner that their appraisal appeal is being handled
 professionally and timely.

If you need additional background materials to share with other Texas

REALTORS® and consumers, you can access a layman’s explanation
written by Texas Association of REALTORS® staff attorney Gabe Lopez.
You can also download a promotional flier for Props 2, 3 and 5.

Don’t believe us? Read the Houston Chronicle’s endorsement of Props 2,

3 and 5. Read Rep. John Otto’s press release regarding this stealth
misinformation campaign.

You can also read the Texas Legislative Council’s thorough explanation
on all 11 proposed constitutional amendments.

*********************

Mike Barnett
Director of Political Affairs
Texas Association of REALTORS®
1115 San Jacinto Blvd, Suite 200
Austin, Texas 78701
512/971-8338 mobile
512/480-8200 office
800/873-9155 (Toll-free)
mbarnett@TexasRealtors.com
www.TexasRealtors.com

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