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199 Main Plaza, New Braunfels, Texas 78130
Phone: 830-221-1100 Fax: 830-608-2026
LOCAL COUNTY OFFICIAL SEEKS TO PROTECT TAXPAYERS FROM UNFUNDED MANDATES
January 5, 2005
Gregory Parker, County Commissioner, Precinct #3 supports allowing voters to decide if unfunded mandates from the state to counties should be reined in to protect taxpayers from being saddled with higher property taxes.
Parker joins county officials from across Texas in seeking a constitutional amendment that would limit state actions, which mandate counties to spend additional funds, unless the state pays for its mandates.
“Our property taxpayers currently have no protection against state actions that force counties to raise taxes,” Parker said. “We believe a constitutional amendment would curtail many of the unfunded mandates. The mandates are often unintended consequences of legislative action or state administrative action. While legislators and state executives do not willingly intend to cause local tax increases, their actions too often result in tax hikes because they do not include statewide funding mechanisms to pay for the directives to counties.”
During the 78th session examples of unfunded mandates include cuts to health care, mental health and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) that have resulted in counties being forced to assume additional costs. The problem of unfunded mandates did not begin with the most recent legislative session. Under-funded or unfunded mandates from previous legislatures have included the 1985 Indigent Health Care Act and the 2001 law mandating indigent criminal defense services.
Parker noted that legislative budget actions during tough financial times often have a direct impact on counties and property taxpayers, even when legislators do not intend such a burden. “During the tough financial times is when we need it most. I support a constitutional amendment that would limit unfunded mandates.” Parker said.
CONTACT: Hon. Gregory E. Parkerph: (830) 221-1100