From the CPPP:
SB 407 by Eltife would permit cities and counties to levy an additional 1/4% sales tax each to offset property taxes. These sales taxes could be in addition to the state sales tax of 6 1/4% and the current maximum local tax of 2%, which is used by cities, counties, and special districts (transit authorities and special purpose districts, such as hospital districts).
A new maximum tax rate of 8 3/4% would be the 13th highest state-local combined rate in the nation.
The sales tax is a regressive tax that places a much greater burden on lower- and middle-income families than on upper-income families. Increasing the sales tax to reduce property taxes would increase taxes on 80% of families while lowering taxes for only those families with incomes over $110,000.
SB 407 was voted out of the Local Government Ways and Means Committee in a formal meeting (without the opportunity for public testimony) on May 14. We expect it to be considered on the House floor soon. (The House must act on Senate bills by May 22.)
Call or e-mail your representative RIGHT NOW and tell them that Texas relies too heavily on regressive sales taxes and to VOTE NO ON SB 407. Find your representative at http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/.
For more on who pays Texas taxes, see: http://www.cppp.org/research.php?aid=638&cid=7.
For reasons I can’t quite comprehend, this bill got five Yea votes from Democratic Senators (PDF); Steve Ogden was the sole Republican to vote No. As such, I can’t say I have a lot of faith in the House being a bulwark against it. But make those calls or send those emails anyway, and hope for the best.
“Increasing the sales tax to reduce property taxes would increase taxes on 80% of families while lowering taxes for only those families with incomes over $110,000.”
Instead of lowering property tax rates, you could increase property tax exemptions and perhaps issue direct rebates to people who rent. Problem solved — you’re no longer disproportionately lowering taxes for the more affluent.
Property taxes ARE way too high in Texas — but sales taxes are high too, and as long as an income tax is off the table, the possibilities for legitimate property tax relief are very limited.