Rep. Riddle is on board with some conditions

"My constituents are being taxed out of their homes because of appraisal increases, and their taxes are providing services for people who are here illegally," Riddle said. "These are two huge problems, and they must both be fixed immediately, if not sooner."

Riddle's House Bill 46 would allow counties to hold their own elections to set an appraisal rate as low as three percent, sidestepping the controversy associated with a state-wide appraisal cap. A constitutional amendment, HJR 15, was also filed for the same purpose.

"The fact is that there are members who will never vote for an appraisal cap in their district," Riddle said. "So why make them? This bill is all about democracy. It's about local control, and letting the people decide for themselves what is best." Let's understand why a State Rep. want vote for an appraisal cap - they are beholden to the monetary contributions from the Texas Association of Counties, Texas Municipal League, and the Texas Association of School Boards. Take these organizations out of the picture and a vote that favors taxpayers is not an issue. Riddle makes a good effort, but she wants to 'side step' her responsibilities as an elected State Rep.

House Bill 47, requiring voter identification at the voting booth, was also part of Riddle's initial legislative package. She said the issue has its roots in the illegal immigration debate. "There is a lot of concern that people's votes are being negated because people who are not citizens or who should not be voting for a number of other reasons are being allowed to vote," Riddle said. "It's such a simple problem to fix: prove who you are when you show up to vote!" Thought this was the reason for the Voter Card. No Card No Vote! Very Simple Solution.