Those who do not learn from history are doomed to say stupid things on the campaign trail.
State Rep. Phil King (R-Weatherford) wants a constitutional ban on the use of property taxes to fund public schools in Texas.
“I am absolutely convinced that my constituents, and frankly, the voters across Texas would rather pay a sales tax when they purchase something than a property tax for the rest of their life,” King said speaking by phone Wednesday.
It was only two years ago that the Lege spent a regular session and two special sessions trying to do a sales tax/property tax swap. Perhaps Rep. King doesn’t remember to Legislative Budget Board analysis of that proposal, or the headlines it generated around the state. Or, perhaps he doesn’t care. All I know is that if the Republicans want to campaign on raising taxes on 90% of the state in order to reduce those of the richest 10%, I say go for it. The rest of us will be ready to campaign against that. Burka runs the numbers and demonstrates clearly why King’s proposal is completely unworkable as well as unpalatable, and Vince has more.