Why are property taxes so high in El Paso (how much, schools)

[runners]

Why are property taxes so high in El Paso? Is it because of higher than average # of people in poverty in El Paso?

[jbiggs]

Originally Posted by runners

Why are property taxes so high in El Paso? Is it because of higher than average # of people in poverty in El Paso?

The vast majority of your property taxes go to pay for schools. With so many illegals in El Paso they need a lot of schools!

[malamute]

Not just illegals living here but you will notice a lot of Chihuahua and New Mexico license plates of cars dropping kids off at the schools here.

Residency laws are not enforced which makes it tough on the taxpayers.

[runners]

I suppose free schooling for non-residents from Juarez is a big reason as you mention. I asked a schoolteacher who said as long as the student's parent supplies an El Paso utility bill, they don't require further proof. While it's commonly known some schools have 1/3 or more non-resident students, it seems that if the schools wanted to take a harder line against non-resident students, they could.

Is K-12 education in Mexico not free or not as good? If so, then there is strong motivation to cheat the system for non-residents to attend school in the US.

Separately, how much of the taxes go to the hospitals to pay for services, such as childbirth, that the poor, whether illegal or not, cannot afford to pay?

[malamute]

Yes, UMC, costs the taxpayers a very large sum of money.

[rosebudstar]

Originally Posted by runners

I suppose free schooling for non-residents from Juarez is a big reason as you mention. I asked a schoolteacher who said as long as the student's parent supplies an El Paso utility bill, they don't require further proof. While it's commonly known some schools have 1/3 or more non-resident students, it seems that if the schools wanted to take a harder line against non-resident students, they could.

Is K-12 education in Mexico not free or not as good? If so, then there is strong motivation to cheat the system for non-residents to attend school in the US.

Separately, how much of the taxes go to the hospitals to pay for services, such as childbirth, that the poor, whether illegal or not, cannot afford to pay?

actually the bill has to be in the name of the parent, or for instance if you live with someone you have to have a notarized paper stating that this child and parent are living with you and you are aware. I had to do this when I moved in with my parents after a divorce.

One reason taxes are so high is because people do not vote when they should when special election time comes around or when bonds are up for vote.

[runners]

Huh? Voting in and of itself doesnt make taxes lower or higher.


El Paso is a heavily democratic liberal town where those that vote, generally vote to increase services and thus taxes. In 2008, for example, 66% of El Paso voters voted for Obama.


//www.city-data.com/city/El-Paso-Texas.html

[mistabinks]

Rose was talking about bond issues which does affect taxes.

[runners]

Again, how does voting in and of itself, raise or lower taxes?

If 66% of 1000 El Pasoans vote for more services and taxes, the result is the same as if 66% of 10,000 people or 100,000 people vote for more services and taxes.

The quantity of voters does nothing, all things being equal. It's which way they vote, for more taxes or against more taxes.

[mistabinks]

I'm assuming her point is if more people voted, fewer bonds would pass. I'm not saying I agree though.