Updated
Updated · The Texas Tribune · Jul 31
Paxton Unveils $50,000 Housing Deductions and $4,400 Child Credit in Texas Senate Race
Updated
Updated · The Texas Tribune · Jul 31

Paxton Unveils $50,000 Housing Deductions and $4,400 Child Credit in Texas Senate Race

3 articles · Updated · The Texas Tribune · Jul 31

Summary

  • $50,000 homebuyer deductions and a child tax credit doubled to $4,400 anchor Ken Paxton’s new Senate economic plan, which he rolled out with a digital ad and a Texas tour starting next week.
  • The proposal targets the issue dominating the race: 37% of Texas voters in a Fox News poll named inflation and high prices their top concern, rising to 43% among independents.
  • Paxton also calls for a $25,000 deduction for out-of-pocket medical costs — plus $25,000 per dependent — and a $5,000 write-off for gym, nutrition, youth sports and GLP-1 expenses.
  • The package would also make permanent the GOP-backed Trump accounts pilot, which gives eligible children $1,000 in federal seed money and allows up to $5,000 a year in contributions.
  • The plan lands in a tight contest with Democrat James Talarico, who leads 51% to 48% in the poll and is pushing higher taxes on billionaires and corporations, a public insurance option and housing measures.

Insights

If Texas affordability is driven by housing shortages and rising healthcare prices, can tax relief alone fix the problem?
Could new tax breaks for medical bills, gym memberships, and down payments help ordinary families most, or mainly those already able to spend more?