Gov. Greg Abbott stopped in Amarillo on Wednesday to promote his affordability agenda and discuss efforts aimed at lowering costs for Texas families and supporting rural communities.
Abbott was joined by state Rep. Caroline Fairly and Holly Jeffreys, a candidate for Texas House District 86, during the Amarillo discussion. Local reporting described the appearance as a campaign stop focused on Abbott’s affordability proposals.
“We want to make Texas #1 for affordability,” Abbott said. “By slashing your property tax rates, cutting the cost of insurance, and lowering everyday expenses, Texas will remain the economic engine of America while putting more money in your pocket.”
Abbott used the Amarillo stop to highlight state spending and programs directed toward rural Texas. According to information released in connection with the event, those investments include $1.4 billion for rural hospitals across the state, more than $1 million to support West Texas veterans and their families and $250,000 in public safety grants in Amarillo.
The governor also pointed to expanded telehealth and telemedicine services as part of the state’s efforts to improve access to healthcare in rural communities.
Much of Abbott’s discussion centered on what he calls his “Keep Texas Affordable” agenda. The proposals target several expenses facing Texas households, including property taxes, healthcare, housing, home and auto insurance, electricity and higher education.
Insurance costs have been a particular focus for Abbott recently. On Wednesday, his office announced actions by the Texas Department of Insurance intended to address property and casualty insurance costs. Abbott’s office said the average annual homeowners insurance premium in Texas increased 79% over six years. Among the planned actions are additional enforcement of state insurance rules, creation of an Insurance Fraud Task Force and a study examining factors driving claim costs.
Abbott has also been promoting changes to the state’s property tax system ahead of the next legislative session. His proposals include limits on local government spending and appraisal growth, along with requiring two-thirds voter approval for tax increases.
The Amarillo visit put a West Texas focus on that broader affordability push, with Abbott arguing that reducing household expenses while continuing state investments in rural areas should be priorities for Texas.
