Abbott strikes down affordable housing bill

Yesterday, Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed 50 bills passed by the Texas Legislature. Included in that show of force was a move to veto the not-previously-controversial House Bill 3281, which would have allowed the city to continue its use of homestead preservation districts to use tax dollars to fund affordable housing. In his statement explaining the veto, Abbott said, “The best way to ensure people do not lose their home because of rising property taxes is to cut property taxes. This bill does nothing to lessen the tax burden for Texans on the verge of being taxed out of their home. It merely permits the City of Austin to continue redirecting tax dollars for city-initiated redevelopment. If the City of Austin is concerned about rising taxes displacing its residents, it should reconsider its tax policies or its spending priorities.” State Rep. Eddie Rodriguez (D-Austin) and State Sen. Kirk Watson (D-Austin), both of whom sponsored the bill, spoke out against the veto.

.@GovAbbott vetoed #HB3281, my affordable housing bill. His cruel veto makes it harder for cities to address affordability crises. #txlege pic.twitter.com/GcOQUwqbm1

— Eddie Rodriguez (@EddieforTexas) June 15, 2017

I was proud to be senate sponsor. Veto designed to punish ATX. Real effect is to punish struggling families who need affordable housing. https://t.co/d9CaSZo8hr

— Senator Kirk Watson (@KirkPWatson) June 15, 2017