Representative Jeff Leach HD-67
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas This week Governor Abbott Lieutenant Governor Patrick and Speaker Bonnen unveiled a property tax reform plan that provides a pathway to address your skyrocketing property taxes. To express a sign of unity within both chambers Senate Bill 2 and House Bill 2 were filed as identical companion bills. Both measures will begin to make their way through the legislative process - allowing members and stakeholders an opportunity to publicly weigh in. As you know property taxes in Texas are imposed and administered by local entities and the Texas Legislature is responsible for governing this system to ensure fairness transparency and accountability across the 254 counties over 1000 cities 1018 independent school districts and more than 1800 special districts of the state.
As filed the proposal works to reform the states property tax system as follows:
- Increase transparency in property tax rate calculations;
- Reform the Appraisal Review Board process through added transparency measures & friendlier practices that benefit taxpayers;
- Give citizens a voice and a vote on proposals to significantly raise taxes by lowering the rollback rate from 8 to 2.5 - requiring a ratification election if a taxing unit proposes a rate that exceeds the rollback rate;
- Create the Property Tax Advisory Board under the Office of the Comptroller - empowering citizens to take a more active role toward improving our states property tax system.
For years the people of Texas have cried out for real property tax relief and I believe this plan provides an opportunity to establish a substantive pathway forward to meet this goal. Make no mistake: property tax reform & school finance reform go hand-in-hand and it is critical for the state to substantially increase our investment in public education in order for this plan to work. I believe it is imperative for all stakeholders to come to the table for meaningful discussions as we deliberate on these bills. Looking ahead I welcome your input and want you to know that you have my commitment to provide further updates as both bills move through each legislative chamber.
Meet My Legislative Team!
As we wrap-up week four of the 86th Legislative Session I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to each valued member of my legislative team. Each team member stands ready to serve you and they play a critical role in the operation of our capitol and district office.
Lauren Young Chief of Staff
A native of the Texas Panhandle Lauren was born and raised in Quitaque TX and graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing & Secondary Major in Political Science. During her time at Baylor Lauren was selected to participate in the prestigious Bullock Scholars" program and served in the office of Senator Kel Seliger during the 83rd Legislative Session where she managed a wide variety of public policy related to public and higher education. Lauren previously served in our nations capital in the office of U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and U.S. Congressman Mac Thornberry. Soon after Lauren joined my team at the Texas Capitol as a Legislative Intern where she was eventually promoted to Legislative Aide & Policy Advisor Legislative Director and Chief of Staff. As the key leader of my policy team Lauren plays a lead role in advancing our legislative initiatives.
Mary McClure Deputy Chief of Staff / District & Communications Director
A native of McKinney and graduate of Baylor University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting Mary began her career as an Accountant in the Dallas energy sector later shifting into the political arena. For over six years she served as Campaign Manager for former U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson where she oversaw his political operation in Texas. Since taking the oath of office in 2013 Mary has served as a key member of my team and is based in the District Office as a constituent and community liaison during the legislative session. Marys primary focus remains on quality constituent services and effective communication strategies to advance our legislative agenda.
Cassidy Zgabay Chief Clerk for the House Committee on Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
Hailing from New Braunfels Cassidy is a graduate of Texas A&M University where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science & Minor in History (magna cum laude). Most recently Cassidy completed her duties as Deputy Campaign Manager for Speaker Dennis Bonnen and during the 85th Legislative Session she worked in the Office of State Representative Dwayne Bohac. As Chief Clerk of the House Committee on Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Cassidy will oversee the full operation of this essential committee. You may click here to learn more about the committees jurisdiction.
Sean Mason Legislative Director & Deputy Clerk for the House Committee on Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
Born and raised in Austin Sean is a graduate of Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies & Minor in Business Management (cum laude) where he played basketball and served as a National Delegate in the NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Program. Sean served in the Homeland Security Grants Division in the office of the Texas Governor while working as an Academic Mentor at the University of Texas at Austin Athletics Division. As Legislative Director Sean will manage our policy agenda while assisting with various duties within the House Committee on Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence.
Mackenzie Martin Legislative Aide & Policy Advisor
A proud Allen Eagle Mackenzie was born and raised in Allen and is a member of the prestigious Bullock Scholars" program at Baylor University where she is on track to receive her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Mackenzie served District 67 in the Texas Capitol during the 85th Legislative Session as a Legislative Intern where she managed constituent correspondence and worked to advance a variety of our legislative initiatives. A valued member of the team Mackenzie will focus her efforts on policy research and analysis while managing my Capitol schedule.
Jackson Mann Legislative Aide & Policy Advisor
Jackson was born and raised in Allen and represented Allen High School while serving on my District 67 Student Leadership Advisory Council before graduation. Jackson received his Business Foundations Certificate from the University of Texas at Austin where he plans to receive his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering this spring. He served District 67 during the 85th Legislative Session as a Legislative Intern and in his new role he will assist with legislative research policy analysis and constituent relations.
Nicholas Nick" Senktas Legislative Intern
A proud Wildcat and graduate of Plano Senior High School Nick was born and raised in Plano and is currently studying International Relations & Global Studies and Economics at the University of Texas in Austin. Nick served as Debate President for the Texas Forensics Association while serving in the Junior State of America Executive Branch. Nick will focus on policy research and constituent relations.
