April 8, 2015 5:37 PM

Bonnen responds to Patrick on tax cuts

“If Lt. Governor Patrick really wants to defend a smaller tax cut than what my plan provides, I'm happy to have that debate.”

House Ways and Means Chairman Dennis Bonnen responded to Lt. Governor Dan Patrick's earlier criticism of his tax plan. He said:

“If state leaders want to provide lasting tax relief, they can’t just hope local governments and tax appraisers comply with their wishes. We have been down this road with property tax relief before, in 2006. Politicians over-promised, and local governments took what state leaders gave away. Proposed property tax cuts are a short-term sugar high with no long-term benefits.

“I believe a plan that cuts the franchise tax by 25 percent instead of 15 percent, and delivers $4.9 billion in tax relief instead of $4.4 billion, is actually quite in step with the people of Texas. If Lt. Governor Patrick really wants to defend a smaller tax cut than what my plan provides, I'm happy to have that debate.”