Now
that crunch time has arrived, the citizens
of Texas need to understand the mess we've
made. OK, the Governor has brought his plan
to the table. It may be like brussel sprouts…better
for me than most foods, but not as tasty
as banana pudding. Two tax plans suggested
for school finance taste like vinegar soup.
The
research is complete; the reports are in,
what do we want? I know what I don't want.
Thankfully, neither is in the Governor's
plan.
Research
shows: Public education is a fiscal ‘black
hole' - meaning no amount of money is ever
enough.
We do not want a taxing system that is easy
or hidden. Because school finance is a huge
part of the state budget, the taxing
system must remain transparent and painful!
Texas benefits when taxpayers advocate for
efficiency, productivity, and wise spending.
Research
shows: More money does not produce smarter
students.
Students benefit if Texas embraces competition
and choice in public education.
Research
shows: States with an income tax have 3
times the growth in state government than
the states without an income tax.
We do not need more government in Texas.
Doesn't everyone agree on this?
Research
shows: Personal growth income is more than
twice as high in states without an income
tax.
States
without an income tax have a positive population
growth which generates tax revenue. More
people to share the bills.
Research
show: High business taxes discourage economic
growth and job development.
The
goal is for most people to be employed and
off the Medicaid roles, CHIP roles, food
stamps roles, and public housing roles.
When businesses are taxed higher in Texas
than New Mexico or Georgia, would you move
Toyota, American Airlines, or Dell Computers
here? A BAT (business activity tax) would
tax your internet sales and purchases, your
payroll, and your productivity – whether
it makes a profit or not.
Incremental
increases to the BAT tax would produce great
amounts of money to facilitate leaping growths
in government. Once we go there, it is almost
impossible to go back. Expanding is always
easier than shrinking for government bureaucracies.
I'm
willing to support the proposals by the
Governor because no one has offered me banana
pudding. Is there any palatable tax?
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