EXECUTIVE ORDER
THE STATE OF TEXAS
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
AUSTIN, TEXAS
EXECUTIVE ORDER
GWB96-4
RELATING TO TIlE CREATION OF
TIlE CmZEN'S COMMlTIllE ON PKOPERTY TAX RELIEF
WHEREAS, propeny taxes comprise the largest tax levies of state and local
governments in Texas;
WHEREAS, propeny taxes levied by school districts have grown significantly
faster bolb in dollars and in percentage terms than have olber propeny tax levies;
WHEREAS, lbe Governor of Texas desires to lower lbe propeny tax burden for
all taxpayers and seeks public input and comment regarding school property taxes; and
WHEREAS, lbe Governor of Texas seeks to detennine lbe sentiment and will of
Texans to take action to achieve propeny tax relief.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, George W. Bush, Governor of Texas, by virtue of
lbe power vested h, tne, do neieby create and establish lbe Citizens' Committee 00
Propeny Tax Relief, to serve in an advisory capacity to lbe Governor. This Committee
shall: (I) assess lbe effects of propeny taxation upon various segments of lbe Slate's
economy and lbe public sentiment relative to lbe need to provide propeny tax relief; and
(2) receive and evaluate public comment on lbe propeny tax replacement options
oUllined in lbe Report of lbe Staff Work Group on Propeny Tax Relief.
The Citizens' Committee on Propeny Tax Relief shall report lbe Committee's
findings on major revenue replacemem options in writing to lbe Governor. The report
shall focus on lbe need for and means to achieve propeny tax relief, and sball convey lbe
valid and relevant findings and conclusions brought forward by public testimony.
The Citizens' Cornmiuee on Property Tax Relief shall consist of diverse Texans
representing a wide range of Texas jobs and lbe industries and individuals who pay taxes
in Texas. Additionally, lbe Committee may include legislators and state officials who
would serve as ex-officio members. The Governor shall appoint lbe chair and members
of lbe Citizens' Committee on Propeny Tax Relief. The chair may appoint a vice chair.
I declare iliat the Citizens' Committee on Propeny Tax Relief serves a legitimate
state purpose, iliatlbe Committee's expenses are a legitimate expenditure of state funds,
and iliat the Committee members may be reimbursed for their reasonable and actual
expenses for meals, lodging, and transportation connected wilb this service to Texas.
This Executive Order shall be effective immediately and shall remain in effect until
modified, amended, or rescinded.
RLBlIN T1U!lfE (flHE
SB:REIARY OF STAl£
APR 30 1996
Attest:
•
ANTONIO O. GARZA, JR.
Secretary of Stale