Gina Hinojosa Proposes $1,500 Rebates for Every Texas Household

State Representative and Democratic gubernatorial nominee Gina Hinojosa proposed a one-time $1,500 rebate for every Texas household on Tuesday during her Money in Your Pocket tour. Speaking at a Houston grocery store, Hinojosa termed the program a corruption tax refund designed to assist citizens struggling with a high-cost economy. The plan would cost an estimated $17 billion and be funded by the state's Economic Stabilization Fund, commonly known as the rainy day fund.

Hinojosa argued that Governor Greg Abbott has hoarded taxpayer money, noting the fund grew from $10 billion to approximately $27 billion over five years. She stated that providing payments to over 11 million households would leave a $10 billion reserve for future emergencies. Because withdrawals from the fund require legislative approval, Hinojosa intends to declare the affordability crisis an emergency item on her first day in office to expedite the process.

Governor Greg Abbott has not commented on the proposal. He is currently campaigning for a fourth term with a focus on a property tax cut plan that includes ending school property taxes for homeowners. Recent polling indicates Abbott holds a lead of approximately 6 percentage points over Hinojosa ahead of the November 3 election.