Austin voters raised their own taxes to breaking point

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“Texas’ reputation as a ‘low tax state’ is accurate for wealthy households, it bears little resemblance to reality for the state’s less affluent residents...Those making under $11,400 a year actually face the 6th highest state and local tax bill in the entire country, at 12.6 percent of income.”

Despite Texas’ deceptively high tax rate, many in the historically liberal city of Austin never miss an opportunity to raise their own taxes. A habit that has come back to haunt many of them today.

“I have voted for every park, every library, all the school improvements, for light rail, for anything that will make this city better. But now I can’t afford to live here anymore,” said Austin artist Gretchen Gardner to Austin American Statesman reporters.

Gardner, who purchase a 1930s bungalow in downtown Austin has seen her tax bill jump up to $8,500 this year.

“I’m at the breaking point...I’ll protest my appraisal notice, but that’s not enough. Someone needs to step in and address the big picture.”

According to Statesman reporters, Gardner is not the only Austinite watching in despair as their property values soar to unaffordable amounts. Average market values for homes have risen 12.6 percent for 2014 meaning an 8 percent rise in taxable value.

http://www.breitbart.com/Breitbart-Texas/2014/06/05/Austin-Liberals-Cant-Afford-Taxes-They-Voted-For