The mayors of the state's largest cities are pushing back against efforts by Republican lawmakers to cap the revenue generated by property taxes.
The mayors held a news conference Monday in response to proposed legislation meant to limit to 4 percent the amount of revenue that can be generated from the prior year.
They argued any cap would impair their efforts to provide basic services.
Austin officials say the legislation would have amounted to a loss of $87 million over the past five years.
Houston authorities say the city has not increased its property rate since 1994, and has actually cut its taxes since that time.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is among several legislative leaders who say they want to cut property taxes before the legislative session concludes in May.
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