BROADCASTS.com

BROWNSVILLE, Texas - State Rep. Janie Lopez says that when appearing at legislative wrap-up events, there is a good reason she does not talk as much as her colleagues in the Rio Grande Valley Legislative delegation.

Appearing at the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce\u2019s 88th Legislative Update Luncheon, Lopez apologized for having to read her speech.

\u201cI\u2019m the non-attorney here. They can talk forever, right? I'm a mental health professional. I listen. Very different. So I thank you for your time and this opportunity to speak with you. I thank you for letting me serve you in Austin,\u201d Lopez said, in her closing remarks.

Lopez, R-San Benito, appeared on stage with state Sen. Morgan LaMantia, D-South Padre Island, state Rep. Oscar Longoria, D-La Joya, and state Rep. Erin Gamez, D-Brownsville. All three of Lopez\u2019s colleagues are attorneys.

In her speech, Lopez spoke about the importance of bipartisanship in Austin and some of the programs that will be helped thanks to the newly-passed $144.13 billion state budget. She also spoke about property tax relief.

\u201cMy all time favorite (piece of legislation) is dedicating $18 billion to much needed property tax relief for all property owners,\u201d Lopez said. \u201cI want to give a special thanks to Speaker Phelan for including me as a member of the Property Tax Select Committee, as well as Governor Abbott for hearing about the homestead exemption needs that we have down here in South Texas.\u201d

Lopez continued: \u201cThe burden property tax is a pressing issue that resonates with many Texans. As citizens we face the unsettling possibility of being taxed out of our homes, while potential homebuyers are challenged by soaring property taxes. So to address these concerns, we passed Senate Bill 2 and HJR 2 which represents the most extensive property tax reduction initiative in Texas history. This remarkable legislation brings a staggering $18 billion in relief while complementing the state budget.\u201d

Here is an audio recording of Rep. Lopez\u2019s remarks at the Brownsville Chamber event.

To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.