Friends,
As we prepare for the 90th Legislative Session, I remain focused on advancing practical, conservative solutions that address the issues most important to Texas families.
Texans continue to face challenges including rising homeowners insurance costs, property taxes and efforts to preserve the principles that have made our state successful. These issues will remain priorities as we continue preparing for the work ahead.
In this edition of the Capitol Update, you will read about:
• Protecting Texas Homeowners Through Home Fortification
• Historic Property Tax Relief for Texas Families
• Standing for Conservative Principles
• Looking Ahead to November
Protecting Texas Homeowners Through Home Fortification
Another issue receiving increased attention is the rising cost of homeowners insurance.
Across Texas, homeowners have seen dramatic increases in insurance premiums. While inflation and severe weather have contributed to these increases, there is also a need to reduce future risks and make homes more resilient.
The solution that I intend to aggressively champion in the 90th Session is legislation that would create a grant program for home fortification.
Home fortification involves strengthening homes against severe weather through measures such as impact-resistant roofing materials, improved roof-to-wall connections, reinforced garage doors and other structural improvements.
Research consistently demonstrates that fortified homes experience less damage during severe weather events and generate fewer insurance claims.
By encouraging home fortification, Texas can help homeowners better protect their property while potentially lowering insurance costs over time. This represents a proactive, market-based approach that benefits homeowners, insurers and taxpayers alike.
Property Tax Relief
During the most recent legislative session, Texas delivered historic property tax relief for homeowners.
Legislation approved by the Legislature and supported by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick significantly increased the homestead exemption for Texas homeowners. The general school district homestead exemption increased from $100,000 to $140,000, while additional exemptions for seniors and Texans with disabilities were also expanded.
For many homeowners, these changes will provide meaningful annual savings and help offset the continued rise in property values.
As Texans evaluate future tax relief proposals, an important conversation is emerging about the best long-term path forward. Some policymakers favor continuing to increase homestead exemptions, while others advocate for eventually eliminating school district maintenance and operations property taxes through the use of state surplus revenue.
Both approaches share the common goal of reducing the property tax burden on Texas families. I look forward to participating in this discussion as we continue exploring ways to provide lasting tax relief while maintaining the strong fiscal foundation that has made Texas a national leader.
Standing for Conservative Principles
As Chairman of the House Republican Caucus, I remain committed to advancing policies rooted in limited government, individual liberty, free enterprise and personal responsibility.
Across the country, we continue to see efforts to inject political ideology into education, business, healthcare and other institutions. Texans have repeatedly demonstrated that they want a government focused on core responsibilities rather than political activism.
Our state has prospered because we have remained committed to common-sense conservative principles that promote economic growth, protect individual freedoms and preserve the values that make Texas exceptional.
Working with fellow legislators through organizations such as ALEC allows us to exchange ideas with policymakers from across the nation and identify innovative solutions that can strengthen Texas’ future while preserving our state’s unique character.
Looking Ahead to November
As we move closer to November, Texans will once again have an opportunity to make their voices heard at the ballot box.
The decisions made by voters will help determine the direction of our state and nation for years to come. Regardless of the issues most important to you—whether healthcare, education, public safety, property taxes, energy or economic opportunity—I encourage every eligible citizen to stay informed and participate in the electoral process.
An engaged electorate is essential to maintaining a strong representative government and your involvement helps ensure that elected officials remain accountable to the people they serve.
Thank you for allowing me the privilege of representing House District 130 in the Texas House of Representatives. It is an honor to serve you and your family.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if we can be of assistance.
God Bless,
Tom Oliverson, M.D.
Republican State Representative
House District 130
