TX: Tax bill would benefit richest Texans, analysis finds

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sharedcontent/APStories/stories/D88NEGG02.html

Only Texans making more than $100,000 a year would receive a net tax cut under the tax overhaul bill being considered by the House, according to a nonpartisan legislative analysis.

The Legislative Budget Board says the poorest 1.7 million households — those making less than $23,000 a year — would see their tax burden increase more than 5 percent under the bill as lawmakers would add a penny to the sales tax rate and sharply boost taxes on cigarettes and snacks.

The richest 840,000 households — those making more than $140,000 a year — would see their taxes cut nearly 3 percent, according to the research agency run by a group of legislative leaders who track the budget.

The budget board's analysis also found the legislation would shift part of the state tax burden from businesses to individuals. Texas businesses would pay $235 million less in total direct taxes in 2007 than they currently do, according to the study. Businesses would receive about $3 billion in property tax cuts.

The Legislative Budget Board says the poorest 1.7 million households — those making less than $23,000 a year — would see their tax burden increase more than 5 percent under the bill as lawmakers would add a penny to the sales tax rate and sharply boost taxes on cigarettes and snacks.

State's going to hell in a handbasket but repukes have no problem throwing around the phrase "entitled to that level of compensation".

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sharedcontent/APStories/stories/D88OOO400.html

As lawmakers debate over salary increases for teachers, a Senate committee approved a proposal that would give the governor and other elected officials a more than 30 percent raise.

Under the measure, Perry's annual salary would increase from $115,000 to $150,000. The pay for other statewide elected officials would go up from $92,217 to $125,000

"They're entitled to that level of compensation," said committee chairman Steve Ogden, the Bryan Republican who sponsored the measure. "Like anything else in state government, you get what you pay for."

The last raise for state officials, about a 20 percent increase, came in 1995

" AUSTIN – A Senate panel quietly approved a raise of more than 30 percent for the governor and other statewide elected officials Thursday, saying that those officials don't make enough for the "size and scope" of their responsibilities.

Gov. Rick Perry's response: Thanks, but no thanks.

"The governor has made his feelings about this quite plain to both the Senate and the House," said spokesman Robert Black. "He has no desire for a pay increase. He certainly does not see a need for a statewide pay increase for elected officials."

He would not say, though, whether Mr. Perry would use a line-item veto to strike the raises or refuse to take the money if the Legislature approves it anyway.

"We're not going to speculate on what might come to his desk," Mr. Black said. "

<a href="http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/031105dntexstatepay.4013b.html">Dallas Morning News.</a>

Everyday they meet it's "what can we do to screw the working people of Texas today?"

My sympathy is limited, however, as Texas has one of the lowest voter turnout in the nation, and many working people vote for this shit year after year.

After all, there is NO connection between C-Plus Augustus and the Lone Star State.

"Hey, Maw! We're gonna be rich like Dubya! Lookit this heah email from this stupid furriner in Africa!"

:eyes:

In typical Texas fashion they move from regressive to more regressive. HOWEVER there is a big problem right now in Texas. It is a problem that would more properly (and fairly) be solved with a state income tax (fat chance).

The problem is similar to that experienced in California right before prop 13. Give you an example: my wife and I are both professionals. We will benefit from this change but our property taxes truly are outrageous. Then again, we afford them. In the Houston area where I live our house is appraised at $250,000 plus or minus but our property taxes are near $10,000. I talked with a man from Connecticut who has a house valued at a million that pays $10,000.

The problem comes in with the likes of my neighbor, who has lived in her house for 40 years and is a secretary at the peak of her earning years earning $38,000. Her property taxes alone represent almost 25% of her income. This is a real problem--she is on the edge of losing her lifelong house because of reappraisals. An income tax would be the solution that would allow my wife and I to pay the same (which we can afford) and for her to pay less and keep her house. For both of us I think the future system will be a wash. For a truly poor person it will be a disaster. The only good part is the dollar a pack tax for cigarettes (IMHO). Although that will put some new traffickers in business guaranteed.

But again, this is Texas, where our state motto is "If you're poor go fuck yourself."

have watched their property taxes shoot up year after year due to the rapid (over)development of the area.

People of modest income, living in houses built in the hill country decades ago, suddenly found themselves living in "prime" real estate, with houses selling for exorbitant prices. Great if you want to move, but some of those who want to stay are finding it difficult to meet expenses.

the problem on the backs of the poorest (most of whom probably pay rent: and I bet they won't see a dime of the relief their landlords get in taxes).

forced them to.

out of their representation.

Texas. They ALL should have known this was coming. You could see it from a mile away. Even with the redistricting, there is still a majority of middle class people.

on the working poor. My property taxes have increased steadily over the last few years. From $3700 to $4500 between '03 and '04. When we bought this house in '97 our taxes were $ 2700. Many people in this neighborhood are retired, on fixed incomes so I am guessing the ever increasing taxes are a burden, then again some of them did vote for these bastards. So :nopity: for them.

The place has tripled in population since we moved here in '93. Our property taxes have more than doubled to $5,000.

Before the last presidential theft, we canvassed our neighborhood, asking if any of our neighbors wanted a John Kerry sign. Out of 16 homes, we got three "yes" replies. The rest decided to vote like sheep.

The ones I spoke with who drank the KoolAid said they liked Bush's "pro-business stance". That and his messiah-like devotion to some twisted form of religion.

with this bill

BTW, both hate Bush

Duh.

I am not surprised by this.

... we have some great liberal minded people here. I like to think I'm one of them. :)

I love where I live, but we are unfortunately a minority. Texas has its Ann Richards, Molly Ivins, and more. I know it easy to bash the state. We're not proud. I know I risk being "Dixie Chicked", but think kindly of the (for now) minority of us here.

You have my sincere condolences...
To those Texans who voted for the little bastard..
No compassion from me. Not a lick.

Texans want to live under a crime syndicate then so be it. It is a little harder as an entire country. Not quite so easy to just pack up and leave. Wish I could offer more support for them but they made their bed....

The place is ruled by Republicans... it is disgusting. I know there are some good liberals there, especially in the Dallas, Houston and especially Austin areas. At some point the people will grow tired of this crap and revolt.

I used to love Austin, but it has become a nightmare of overdevelopment and arrogant yuppie pretensions. The laid-back, blue-collar Austin is now under seige and not likely to survive the onslaught.

Robbing from the poor to give to the rich, yep, sounds like a Republican alright. :puke:

they can still keep thier mansions because of the unlimited homestead exemption.