Let's start thinking out of the box here like conservatives. I think a commission comprised of retired CPAs and business executives would be willing to complete non-binding audits and efficiency reviews of school districts free of charge (travel expenses reimbursed) if Gov. Perry showed great leadership and encouraged them to serve.
"And an increase in the sales tax might work, but estimates I saw indicated it would have to go up a full percent. <snip> How is that any different from passing on a business franchise tax to consumers?"
I think many fiscal conservatives who prefer sales tax for school funding view it as a vastly more broadly applied, equitable measure that is impartially set against all taxpayers. The sad truth about HB3 is it specifically targets businesses in the small to medium-sized category that will be hit very hard. These are some of the most productive job creators in the Texas economy. Conservatives should never be the ones perceived to be punishing this group. HB3 is actually drawing in far fewer businesses to shoulder the load than represented by the Gov. and that is punitive.
Furthermore, there is great suspicion among conservatives that the HB3 business tax is vulnerable to tinkering and likely to be customized to the benefit of select groups with deep pockets and the most influential lobbyists. The Democrats will beat us about the head and shoulders when (not if) that happens, and deservedly so.
Since the education establishment would scream about state intrusion over such a suggestion--as would their sycophants in the Democrat party--I'd be all for this, but after the election.
Strayhorn's full of it. She's going to run on "I'll cut taxes less, and find some spending cuts"?
Nobody will believe her. The cuts in the last legislative session were brutal, equaling nearly 2 or 3 billion dollars. What else is she going to cut?