Posted on 06/04/2002 11:27:01 AM PDT by Pining_4_TX
Beware, Texas Freepers, they are setting us up to force a state income tax on Texans! Yesterday, in the Houston Chronicle there was an article about how high our property taxes have become. The article featured 2 families who are having to make real financial sacrifices in order to pay their burgeoning property tax bills. I realized at the time that this article was not going to lead to the logical step of reducing spending, but was to help prepare us for what liberals want for out state - a state income tax.
What I didn't realize was how soon it would be proposed! Today in the editorial section of the paper was (surprise!), an editorial offering relief from high property taxes in the form of a state income tax. And, it would be so much fairer for the poor, don't you know!
I hope we remain alert, because this is the first shot across the bow, and we must be ready to respond as the people of TN have to the threat of a state income tax.
That being said, I have only lived in Texas for less than three years. I have been advised by more experienced Texas Freeper natives that there has always been talk about a state income tax behind the scenes; the truth is that there will NEVER be a state income tax in Texas for various state constitutional and political reasons.
When I lived in Illinois, they raised state income taxes in the late 80's (temporarily, btw). They used the same excuses as Tennessee. The citizens of Illinois are still waiting for those tax surcharges to be repealed. Need I say more.
Still keep an eye out for this. You never know what the liberals are up to.
That is good to hear! I'd like to know exactly what these reasons are. Texas Freepers?
But I didn't. Republicans are going to get a commanding advantage in the state legislature this year, and I doubt any such bill is allowed for discussion on the floor.
I believe there is something in the state constitution regarding prohibition of state income tax. Additionally, remember that Texas was once an independent country, and there is something in the annexment agreement to this effect. I need confirmation on these.
Any politician who votes FOR an income tax in this state, don't even BOTHER running for re-election. Incidentally, there is a resolution in the Texas Republican Party Platform regarding being against a state income tax, which will be voted on at the state GOP convention this week.
They just love to bandy about terms like "fairness" and "greed", as in discussing the "fairness" of their proposals, and the "greed" of anyone opposing them.
Just ask the Tennesseans, where investment income is called "unearned" income!
Not a Texan, but maybe this part of the editorial will be helpful.
I am fixin to move my happy a$$ to Texas here in a year or so, getting the heck out of VA to which I've been paying state taxes to fund new office suite carpeting for the wine-and-white-linen set for the past ??? years... I was kinda looking forward to leaving all that crap behind, y'all! Thought you Texicans had more sense...
I might end up in Houston just because of restrictions and limitations of my hirability and whatnot, but I think I'd dig Dallas-FW area better, the more I hear about Houston...
Do a search of the news to see how these very well organized folks from Tennessee did it.
Well, many know how "voluntary" the Federal income tax is. It is the first step and they will try to sneak an income tax into Texas by saying it is voluntary.
Don't be fooled by the word "voluntary".
I hope for your sake you're right. But the democrats paint such a lovely picture of what life will be like if only "the public has the courage to invest in Texas future". Molly Ivans, Jim Hightower and the rest of the radical left media in TX will be more than willing to sell this idea to the public, just as Merrill Lynch was encouraging its clients to buy lame stock.
I hope Texas doesn't become "Taxafornia", but history isn't on your/our side.
Good Luck, Buck.
This is not the first shot and has been going on for twenty years. The problem now is that we have lots of new people in the state, taxes are far too high, and old line Rats are regaining control of the party behind the scenes. (read Sharp, Barnes etc.)
They will try to push this on us every two years until they win.
Here is your CAFR listing: TXCAFR BOOK MARK IT.
Then go look up your budget and find the pork. Like TN you will find plenty of pork in the multitude of college buildings going up each year. WHICH are NOT being put up for the benefit of TX citizens, but for out of country or out of State people. The Baby Boom is over and we should Need LESS schools and less college buildings NOT MORE!
Look for wild flower programs, new spending, etc.
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