[chance33_98]

When asked how that money would be produced considering many legislators now in office campaigned on a platform of "no new taxes."

But Shapiro argued that pledge was only binding during the last legislative session. "The issue of no new taxes was specific to last session," she said. "That didn't mean we wouldn't raise taxes in the next session."

[Dan from Michigan]

Time to primary Shapiro.......

[eastforker]

Talk about a revolt,just the talk about implementing a state income tax here in Texas could keep them from being re-elected.

[sinkspur]

Well, something has to be done. My property taxes have gone up 30% a year for each of the last three years.

IOW, I'm paying nearly twice what I paid three years ago. That can't continue.

I don't want a state income tax, but these property taxes are driving people out of their homes, especially seniors.

[Scenic Sounds]

State Sen. Florence Shapiro told potential voters on Monday that everything will be on the table during a special session on school finance to be conducted in the spring, including a state income tax.

Sounds like some changes are coming, Cathryn. ;-)

Some people just seem to know when to make their exit, don't they? ;-)

[Rome2000]

But Shapiro argued that pledge was only binding during the last legislative session. "The issue of no new taxes was specific to last session," she said. "That didn't mean we wouldn't raise taxes in the next session."

The state GOP needs to smack this sick bitch down quick.

[RichardW]

I moved to Texas from Missouri that had a state income tax. Our sales taxes are higher and our property taxes are double. As much as I didsliked the income tax, I would support this move. We're paying just as much as we did in Missouri and we pay an extra 2% everytime we buy non-grocery items. And our home owner's insurance rates are at least twice what we paid in Missouri.

As they say, there is no free lunch.

[mtbopfuyn]

What??? Anyone who signs on to taxing Texans will NOT have my vote. School's are underfunded, my great aunt Fanny! I just got my property tax Wednesday and am still having palpitations. The school tax alone amounts to 1 1/2 times our monthly takehome pay. That, friends, is for an old 1600 sq ft house on a 60 foot lot. I can't afford to move and I can't afford the taxes. And now they want a state income tax on top of that??? What's the chances I could do better by going to Mexico, get Mexican citizenship, and return as an illegal alien?

[SauronOfMordor]

However, he noted that not only is the current system unfair to districts with more property - called Chapter 41 districts for that section of the law - by forcing them to pay an increasingly higher percentage of their property taxes to property poor districts

So a percentage of property taxes in middle-class districts funds schools in poor districts. What happens if the middle-class districts just cut taxes to equalize their school funding with the poor districts, and tell parents to make up the difference directly (having students buy their own texts)? That way, more money stays in the district.

[Centurion2000]

"Nobody said we won't consider a state income tax," said Shapiro, R-Plano. "It will be on the table."

Hope he enjoyed his political career in Texas because it just ended.