Start with a little personal trivia:
My three days in San Antonio was one to remember. Thursday it took 2 1/2 hours just to find the Marriott River Center and finally I stepped out of the car and there it was. The name was about 40 stories above ground level and not visible from the car. Friday I got down town, parked the car and couldn't find the hotel. After asking directions from several people, including bus drivers, cab drivers and police officers I finally found it for myself. Problem was I had lost my car by then. Walking all over town that evening, I finally found the car but had two parking tickets. I hadn't intended leaving the car there and had not put up my handicap placard. Sat wasn't any better. As I came down town I kept my eye on the hotel and when it was about to go out of sight I parked and walked. Returning that evening in torrential rains and gusty winds I found I had locked my keys in the car. Two officers tried to get them out but the weather took it's toll on their patience and they finally just knocked the window out.
On my way home the car ran hot and I stopped in Sequin. My wife came up the next morning so I could get parts to fix it. Being Easter Sunday there was no auto parts store open. Had to go home and come back next day to replace the hose.
This came in from an ABATE member in Iowa in reference to our little financial set back. This is just what I have been saying for a long time.
That's just ******* sad. If you look at an organization like ABATE of Iowa - the State Coordinator makes $20,000 a year, the annual party profits $350,000+, over $500,000 in property and 2 million $ in the bank and Sput's running TMRA II off of a personal credit card.
What's wrong with this picture?
Down to the business at hand:
Today began the 4th special session for 2004. Talked to a lot of Senators and Reps who would rather be anywhere but there. Managed to catch Chairman Smithee in his office and had a conversation on our Insurance Bill. We discussed the federal foulup on the HIPAA Bill and we were told it had to be fixed at the state level. He agreed that was true. We then let him know that we couldn't fix it at the state level unless we could get it on the Floor and to do that we have to go through you. He told us that next session just let him know when we are ready.
Of the several Bills sent to committees today, none were good. They can be found at http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/
Here is a quick breakdown on the most troublesome part of a few Bills.
HB 5 Rep Griggs
This is just one version of the cigarette tax. It would increase the cost of cigarettes by 350%. There is another tax on cigars plus 121% above Mfgs. Market value of other tobacco products. The goal of this session is supposedly to fund schools. This Bill puts a very infinitesimal part of these taxes go to schools with nearly all of it going to the General Fund.
HB14 Rep Griggs
This one contains an expanded sales and use tax. - Voluntary Income Tax - Enrichment Tax imposed. The state would pay 50% of school costs and if they can't afford to pay that amount (and how could they if they have a 0 balance of state money in the General Fund) then either the State Comptroller or the Legislature could impose a secondary sales tax to be imposed just until the state catches up with their debt. We heard that in Oklahoma in '54 and it is still there and much larger.
Now the granddaddy of them all:
HB 20 Rodriguez
This Bill includes all the new taxes rolled into one with more added. The State Income Tax will be mandatory. It will be broken down like this:
$25,000 per year = 1% tax
over $25,000 but less than $50,000 = $250 plus 2% all income over $25,000
Over $50,000 less than $75,000 = $750 plus 3.5% over $50,000
Over $75,000 less than $100,000 = $1625 plus 3.5 % over $75,000
Over $100,000 less than $150,000 = $2875 plus 6.5% over $150,000
Over $150,000 less than $200,000 = $6125 plus 7 % over $150,000
Over $200,000 $9625 plus 7.5% all over $200,000
It also allows the Comptroller to share your tax information with others. An employer will be required to hold out withholding tax from your paycheck and send the money to the Comptroller just like with Federal withholding. And finally---since the Texas Private Income Tax will be based on your adjusted income as figured by the Feds and the date for filing will fall on the same day, the Comptroller can make a deal to have them collect the taxes, and send it to the state. Of course they would be reimbursed for their work.
But wait - there is some good news from both houses.
It would appear that these two legislators have been reading what we put out and took it to heart.
If we really work with Senator Corona next session we might just get one of our Resolutions.
SJR 5 Corona
This won't pass in this special session but we know who to turn to in November
This Joint Resolution would require that all Bills, Amendments to Bills and Committee Hearings must vote by recorded and that information must be on line for constituents to see.
Also I have been raising hell at most every political event I have attended during the past few months that our schools are top heavy with Administration and short on teachers.
HB 4 Madden
Devise a plan to consolidate Administration in all districts.
Are they hearing us or what?
I left out the House Joint Resolution by Gruesendorf to vote on a constitutional amendment, allowing Texas to set a State Property Tax.
Have I done that which I can do to the best of my ability?
HELL NO !! - but I'm trying.
Sputnik
