State
Disgraced Former House Speaker Dennis Bonnen Opens Lobbying Firm
“They trade on their government contacts, and their clients pay top dollar for the access and influence.”
5 Lawmakers Oppose Yet Another Long Weekend in the Texas House
When they return, the Legislature will be 56 days into its 140-day legislative session without having passed any legislation—including Republican priorities.
Speaker Dade Phelan Prioritizes Corporate Welfare, Avoids GOP Priorities
None of Phelan’s seven priorities so far are legislative priorities of the Republican Party of Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott, or Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.
Texas Supreme Court Dismisses Lawsuit Against Pro-life Activist
“I hope that the Lilith Fund, and every demon in Texas, gets out of the baby-murdering business entirely.”
State Archive
New Texas Democratic Party Platform Silent on Taxes, Big on Spending
With the Texas GOP platform on deck this weekend, the Texas Democratic Party has posted their new platform. It does not address taxes except claiming that current state taxes favor big over small business, but includes items such as universal government health care...
It’s Time To Abolish School M&O Taxes
For decades the school property tax that funds "maintenance and operations" has been causing troubles for taxpayers -- skyrocketing burdens, lawsuits and confusion. Legislators, taxpayers, school boards and judges have all taken cracks at reforming a system that is...
Dewhurst Suggests Repeal Of Business Tax
The business tax may not have long to live. Apparently the state's lieutenant governor, David Dewhurst, rattled a rather formidable saber last week at a business group meeting in Austin, saying he'd like to consider a repeal of the gross margins tax passed in 2006....
Job Growth In Texas
Found a fun fact in a mailer from Gov. Rick Perry today. Over the last 12 months, Texas has seen 262,000 jobs created -- 95 percent in the private sector. Compare that to the national scene, 462,000 jobs were created -- and half of which were government jobs. Dig a...
Roadway Sunlight
Missed by almost everyone in the media feeding frenzy of stories about the Texas Department of Transportation is a rather substantive effort underway that could prove beneficial to taxpayers in the near future. New TxDOT Commission Chairwoman Dierdre Delisi appointed...
Flying High… With Your Money
Texas' agriculture commission, Todd Staples, is racking up heavy taxpayer expenses for what appears to rather frivolous uses of the state's fleet of private planes. In fact, he has used the planes more than Gov. Rick Perry and Attorney General Greg Abbott combined! Of...
New Margins Tax Battering Texas Businesses
On June 15th, Texas business will have to fork over a big of chunk of change to fill state coffers. Some 84 percent of Texas small businesses will see their tax burdens increase by more than 100 percent over their previous franchise tax bill, with more than 40 percent...
Apple IPods for Texas Students Take a Bite Out of Taxpayers
It probably sounds too good to be a true to most Texas headbanging middle school students, but they may be getting an iPod on taxpayers' dime. This past week New Summerfield ISD announced it had received a $17,000 grant from the state to give IPods to 85 6th, 7th, and...
A Texas Star
Texas lost a good friend this week with the passing of Michael S. Stevens. A real estate developer from Houston, Stevens was a Vietnam Vet and a leader in the conservative movement. He always conducted himself with the greatest honor and integrity. He will be greatly...