Originally posted by rpm371
Sadly, my congressman has zero to due with property taxes. Property Tax is a local issue (at least in Texas). They did not raise the tax rate (which would require a vote), they raised the property values (you have absolutely no say in this matter, you can protest till you turn blue, and I have). Property values are set by the Chief Appraiser, who is a civil servant and has no election and no fear of losing his job. (Note: In our county the chief appraiser also happens to be on the County's Republican Party Committee)
Property taxes are usually raised due to a stagnation in state-level funding of local towns or shortage of funds. Its still an issue you can take to the state officials. The local officials is a good place to start asking "why" and when they give you specifics (as why the state is requiring local cities/towns to hold their own) then you can take up the issue with state. Start low, go high. I have in the past...you will get heard though I can't garantee it'll do anything. If enough people do the same, you can bet it gets heard (just look at why were getting a tax break at the Gov't level, enough people voiced their opinions, me included)
Another thing to consider too is, the market for your house vs. what its assessed at. Mine is assessed at about $60,000 below its market value, so I'm not about to go asking for a repeal at a local level for fear they'll get a decent assessment appraisal.
