HB 3, the House Tax Bill has passed third reading and is ready to be sent to the Senate. Proponents claim this as the biggest property tax decrease in history. Opponents point out that it will be a tax decrease for those making over $100,000 per year and a large tax increase for the middle class. The opponents are correct. It is of course a long Bill with two very noticeable tax increases for the common man. The tax on a pack of cigarettes will be raised by about 350% to $1.41 per pack. The state will also set a Value Base on used vehicles. If you pay more than the value base you will be charged sales taxes on that amount. If you pay less than the Value Base you will be charged sales tax on the State Value Base unless you can show through a dealer or a certified appraiser that the true value is less than the Value Base.
The sales tax would be raised by one cent and would include several items not currently covered such as mechanic work, bottled water etc…
There was a lot of arm twisting by the Republican bosses to make sure this Bill passed on third reading as there was only one vote margin of victory on second reading. We are hopeful that we can get the recorded votes on second and third readings to show just what took place.
There were many impassioned speeches asking the powers that be to kill this Bill and pass one that would be fair to the middle class worker and small business to no avail. There was a very disheartening action took place during this vote. Rep. Jim Pitts of Waco had signed an agreement with Rep Dawnna Dukes who was going on vacation. If the vote came up while Rep Dukes was out of town Rep Pitts would not vote thereby canceling out her missed vote. The agreement was notarized and filed with the House clerk but is not binding. Jim went back on his word and voted yes. Immediately following the vote Jim told the press a man has to do what he has to do. Whether that was his intention all along or not, whether it was a binding agreement or not a man is only as good as his word. Despite the support we have received since 1995 I feel he can no longer be trusted.
This issue is not settled as the Senate has said they will not accept HB 2 or HB 3 as passed. It would be fitting that Jim’s treachery go for naught.
Signed agreement between Rep. Jim Pitts and Rep. Dawnna Dukes
