Senator Cesar J. Blanco Votes to Deliver Property Tax Relief To Texas Families

Press Release Contact: Taylor Sanchez
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Taylor.sanchez@senate.texas.gov
February 13, 2025
Senator Cesar J. Blanco Votes to Deliver Property Tax Relief To
Texas Families
Austin, TX – Today, Senator Cesar J. Blanco announced the passage of Senate Bill 4 (SB
4)and Senate Joint Resolution 2 (SJR 2), a major victory for Texas homeowners. As a joint
author, Senator Blanco helped pass this legislation to raise the homestead exemption to
$140,000, delivering real financial relief to families, seniors, and homeowners in El Paso
and West Texas.
“For too many families, rising costs make it harder to stay in their homes. SB 4 puts money
back in homeowners’ pockets by cutting property taxes and making homeownership more
affordable,” said Senator Blanco.
SB 4 increases the homestead exemption to $140,000 and $150,000 for senior citizens, saving
homeowners an average of $496 per year with included school compression measures in the
state budget. Most notably, approximately 67,000 homeowners in El Paso and West Texas will
now pay zero in school property taxes. It is also estimated 80%-90% of senior citizens will now
pay zero dollars in school property taxes. Public schools will be held harmless, with the state
covering any lost revenue.
“This is a win for homeowners and our schools,” Blanco said. “Families get tax relief without
hurting education.”
While SB 4 is a major step forward, more work is needed. Senator Blanco is committed
to reforming Texas’ broken property tax system, fixing appraisal flaws, fully funding public
schools, and ensuring Texans aren’t taxed out of their homes.
“We need real, lasting property tax reform,” Blanco said. “Our appraisal system is broken, and
I’ll keep fighting for solutions that protect Texas homeowners.”
Since 2015, Senator Blanco has helped raise the homestead exemption from $15,000 to
$140,000. SB 4 now heads to the Texas House of Representatives for consideration.