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Two candidates are running to represent District 73 in the Texas House of Representatives: incumbent Republican Carrie Isaac and Democratic challenger Sally Duval.
Community Impact reached out to the candidates to get their perspectives on their priorities if elected.
What you need to know
District 73 covers all of Comal County and the western half of Hays County.
Early voting starts Oct. 21, and Election Day is Nov. 5.
Candidates were asked to limit their answers to 50 words and asked to address the question and not attack other candidates. Answers may have been cut or edited to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
*indicates incumbent
What is the most important issue facing your constituents in the coming legislative session and how do you intend to address it?
A secure border and fair elections are essential to our nation's sovereignty. I support funding the border wall, enhancing security with razor wire and water buoys, and transporting illegal immigrants to sanctuary cities. I also back precinct voting, paper ballots, and closing the gap between early voting and Election Day.
What other issues are a high priority for you?
Too many Texans are being taxed out of their homes. Last session, we passed $18 billion in property tax relief, and with an additional $20 billion in expected revenue, I’m committed to further reducing local school district taxes and ultimately removing them from property tax bills altogether.
School districts are struggling financially due to a number of factors. How will you approach school funding in the next session?
Last session, I supported a $6 billion public school funding package that included teacher pay raises and school safety funding. Unfortunately, Democrats killed it. I remain committed to improving public school funding and look forward to supporting similar legislation in the 89th session.
Texas faces a housing shortage which in part is driving up the cost of housing. What policy solutions are you exploring?
I will work to reduce regulations and fees that raise housing costs and continue to urge local governments not to increase property taxes. I support ending subsidies that drive up energy costs and impact everything. Market reforms are needed to promote affordable, reliable energy and lower the cost of living.
What is the most important issue facing your constituents in the coming legislative session and how do you intend to address it?
The most important issue is the cost of living. I would propose lowering the sales tax rate to a percentage that will leave Texas with a modest surplus rather than the enormous surpluses seen in recent years. Cutting the sales tax rate will lower costs for all Texans.
What other issues are a high priority for you?
I am concerned that innocent little girls under the age of 12 are being forced to bear their rapist’s babies even though doing so threatens their lives and their ability to have babies later in life. I would propose an exception to Texas’ abortion bans just for them.
School districts are struggling financially due to a number of factors. How will you approach school funding in the next session?
I would propose that we raise the basic allotment per student up to at least the national average, if not more, because Texans deserve better than average. Then I would propose that this figure be indexed to inflation so that politicians can never again withhold funding for any reason.
Texas faces a housing shortage which in part is driving up the cost of housing. What policy solutions are you exploring?
Because increasing supply should help make housing more affordable, I am generally in favor of changing zoning regulations so that more houses and apartments can be built. I would also propose that apartment owners be required to pass along savings from reduced property taxes to the renters.