Governor Abbott Vetoes House Bill 2826 (84R)
Pursuant to Article IV, Section 14, of the Texas Constitution, I, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, do hereby disapprove of and veto House Bill No. 2826 as passed by the Eighty-Fourth Texas Legislature, Regular Session, because of the following objections:
Chapter 313 of the Tax Code allows for certain businesses to negotiate with school districts for lower appraisal valuations and, as a result, lower school property taxes. While the program may sometimes have a positive impact on local economic development, serious concerns exist about its oversight, its transparency, and its value to the taxpayers. According to a 2013 report by the Comptroller's Office, Chapter 313 cost the taxpayers $341,363 for every new job created by the program. The Comptroller estimates that House Bill 2826 will ultimately cost State taxpayers $100 million per biennium. I cannot support expansion of an incentive program that has not been proven to deliver the value taxpayers deserve.
Since the Eighty-Fourth Texas Legislature, Regular Session, by its adjournment has prevented the return of this bill, I am filing these objections in the office of the Secretary of State and giving notice thereof by this public proclamation according to the aforementioned constitutional provision.
GREG ABBOTT
Governor
View a PDF of the veto here