GOP to push for tax cuts, but can Texas afford them?

AUSTIN — Leading state Republicans and some of their most vocal backers have turned up the volume in demanding tax cuts, as lawmakers anticipate a surplus about seven months before they return to Austin.

Sen. Dan Patrick, the GOP nominee for lieutenant governor, has urged cuts in property and business taxes.

Attorney General Greg Abbott, the Republican hopeful for governor, has said small businesses need relief from what he calls a very unfair state franchise tax. The Texas Public Policy Foundation, which advocates less state spending, wants a two-year, half-penny reduction in the state’s 6.25-cent sales tax.

However, while Texas’ economy shows continued strength, fiscal experts say there is no chance the state will be so flush that lawmakers can slash school property taxes and make more progress toward adequately funding roads and water reservoirs.

More at http://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/state-politics/20140622-gop-to-push-for-tax-cuts-but-can-texas-afford-them.ece .