The Dallas City Council voted on February 13 to enter into a lease-purchase agreement under which taxpayer dollars would subsidize a convention center hotel. The Dallas Business Journal has an online poll in which you can vote on whether this is an appropriate use of taxpayer money.
Mlevin
New Property Tax Could Go on the Books
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission has submitted a formal request to Attorney General Abbott for an opinion on whether library districts can levy a property tax.
Uncorking More Government Pork – Texas Department of Agriculture Sponsors Wine Tastings
The Ag Department is one of the two lead sponsors of two upcoming Texas wine tastings – one in Dallas and San Antonio. How many average Texas taxpayers will pay $40 for these sumptuous sippings?
How Much More of the Erdners’ Family Budget Should Government Take?
Today’s Statesman profiles Todd and Michele Erdner’s extraordinary measures to control rising grocery bills for their 7 kids, who Michelle home schools. Is government helping?
San Antonio Voters to Weigh $415 Million Tax Increase
The Bexar County Commissioners Court voted earlier this month to present  San Antonio area voters with a $415 million venue tax increase measure on the May ballot. While it would fund lots of nice-sounding goodies, increased hotel and rental car taxes have been proven to reduce tourism.
Superintendent Candid About Not Wanting to Face Voters
Larry Appel, Dumas ISD superintendent, denounced voter approval for tax hikes, saying "It is much harder to convince them to vote for a tax increase" since most voters don’t "typically have kids in school." But it’s their money.
Dallas News Highlights Random Unfairness of Property Taxes
The Dallas Morning News reports that only 7 percent of homeowners challenged their 2006 appraisals. Although 54 percent of protesters got some relief, Richard Whittle was denied when he challenged the increase of his one-story Garland house by 67 percent to $135,490 in 2006.
New Business Tax Body Blow: 300 Percent Increase
The Houston Chronicle reports on the severe impact of the new business tax, which is a $6.2 billion hike  over the franchise tax. Wanda Rohm, who owns Presto Printing in Houston with 12 employees, said her taxes will go up an astonishing 300 percent.
Star-Telegram Forecasts School Finance Crisis, Says Schools Lack Funds
The Star-Telegram’s editorial suggests state law needs to be changed to allow school districts to tax more without a vote, even while noting that 77 percent of district rate increase requests and 75 percent of bond proposals were approved by voters in 2007.
Texas Rolling in Cigarette Tax Money, Mounting Surplus Should Ignite Tax Relief
The Houston Chronicle reports that the state will collect $244 million more in cigarette tax revenues under the $1 per pack increase than predicted. While smoking is most assuredly a bad habit, more money for big government is also an addiction that must be broken.