AUSTIN, Texas — Many Texas homeowners experienced sticker shock in the past few days when their yearly home appraisals showed up in the mail. And of course, higher values often mean higher property taxes. 

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Beto O’Rourke took aim at that issue Wednesday. At a press conference in Dallas, he laid the blame squarely on his political opponent, Gov. Greg Abbott. 

“In the seven years he’s been governor, property taxes have gone up $20 billion in the state of Texas,” said O’Rourke. “That’s an increase of 40% over where we were when he first began.”

O’Rourke also laid out how he would combat rising prices if elected, including creating more housing and increasing state education funding, so schools don’t rely so heavily on property tax. 

Gov. Abbott refuted the comments. 

“Serial flip-flopper Beto O’Rourke is once again misleading the public,” said Abbott Campaign Communications Director Mark Miner. “Governor Abbott has reduced property taxes for Texans by over $18 billion since taking office, while Beto O’Rourke has an established track-record of increasing property taxes while serving on the city council in El Paso.” 

Amid the political back and forth, many experts say that homeowners shouldn’t worry just yet. Even amid a booming housing market, recently passed legislation should help keep prices down.

A study by the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association found that the 2019 property tax reforms shaved off 8% on total bills. Texas law also caps the year over year increase at 10%.

“Whatever the growth in your value is, that’s not going to translate into a commensurate increase into your taxes,” said Dale Craymer, President of the Texas Taxpayer and Research Association. 

Despite that, Texas saw record high property taxes last year.

“Taxes are still going to go up, but nowhere near what we’re seeing with the market value,” he said.

Craymer also added that homeowners can have their say on property taxes come May 7. Two constitutional amendments will be on the ballot that could help relieve high property taxes. The propositions have garnered bipartisan support.

Watch our full interview with Craymer above.