More Taxes, Courtesy of Republican Fred Hill

There was once a time when Republicans were known as the tax-cutters; people who – if nothing else – would work to make sure the taxpayers’ money stayed in the taxpayers’ wallet (as State Rep. Rob Eissler likes to say).

That was then, this is now. State Rep. Fred Hill (R-Richardson) wants to raise your local taxes. Sure, he wants to start with the Dallas-Fort Worth area. But don’t worry; this new tax will spread like a virus to every city in Texas. He is pushing a bill to let those cities raise their sales tax to fund mass transit. (Never mind that mass transit is usually spelled “B-O-O-N-D-O-G-G-L-E.” or, in the original French, “P-O-R-K”)

 Mr. Hill actively opposes any new local taxpayer protections (he’s against requirements for local spending restraint, and against property tax reforms); meanwhile he is actively working to make sure cities can get even more of your money with House Bill 2084. By the way, Mr. Hill’s phone number is (512) 463-0486. 

Hill’s 2084 is not a tax swap; it’s a tax increase. (His partner-in-taxing is super-liberal Democrat Lon Burnam of Fort Worth; see the list of their conspirators at right.)

 

If Hill gets this tax increase through for D-FW, every city in the state will be looking for permission to increase their taxes in about 2.084 seconds.

 

Never underestimate the ability of politicians (be they Republicans or Democrats), once they are in power, to govern on behalf of government instead of the people. Mr. Hill’s tax increase, HB 2084, should be shoved under a train.

Michael Quinn Sullivan

Michael Quinn Sullivan is the publisher of Texas Scorecard. He is a native Texan, a graduate of Texas A&M, and an Eagle Scout. Previously, he has worked as a newspaper reporter, magazine contributor, Capitol Hill staffer, and think tank vice president. Michael and his wife have three adult children, a son-in-law, and a dog. Michael is the author of three books, including "Reflections on Life and Liberty."