And now some state lawmakers are wondering what the committee accomplished in 14 hearings held in cities around the state. I'm ready to conclude at this stage that probably nothing is going to be done on this issue at this time. But state Rep. Tom Craddick, who chairs the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee, said the group validated concerns voiced by Gov. George W. Bush months ago. State Rep. Rob Junell, a San Angelo Democrat who will co-sponsor a tax relief bill next year, said the benefit of the committee's work was clear.
Property tax is a problem.
Political analysts say it isn't surprising that the committee wasn't able to produce a real solution. The state of Texas has ruled out a state income tax and it would be political suicide for a politician to push that. It's so tough to maneuver around taxes. Some area lawmakers say there's not enough time to create an effective tax relief plan before the 1997 Legislative session begins in January. Getting some property tax relief is one of my major priorities.