Texas lawmakers are debating new plans to slash — or even eliminate — school property taxes. But no one has explained how our public schools will be funded if that happens.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick recently proposed a major expansion of the state’s homestead exemption, which could significantly reduce how much funding school districts receive through local taxes. Meanwhile, Gov. Greg Abbott has doubled down on a plan to eliminate school property taxes entirely — without offering a clear or sustainable plan to replace that revenue.

This would be the most drastic change to school funding in modern Texas history. And the cost will fall hardest on students.

Public schools already face tight budgets, growing class sizes, teacher shortages, and aging facilities. If school districts lose a key funding source, the result will be fewer resources for teachers, larger gaps between wealthy and poor communities, and long-term harm to student outcomes.

This petition calls on the Texas Legislature, Governor Abbott, and Lt. Governor Patrick to:

• Stop pursuing plans that eliminate or severely undercut school property tax funding
• Commit to fully funding public education before expanding costly exemptions
• Hold public hearings on how proposed changes would impact classrooms, teachers, and students
• Ensure that any tax relief plan includes stable, long-term funding for Texas schools

We all want property tax relief — but not at the expense of our kids’ futures. Texans should not have to choose between lower bills and strong public schools.

Sign this petition if you believe education is a priority — and that no tax cut should come before our commitment to funding public schools.

Photo: Bob Daemmrich for The Texas Tribune