TAC lobbyists admits public wants caps : Lone Star Times

TAC lobbyists admits public wants caps

by David Benzion · 07/19/2005 9:12 am

Some political disputes are the result of different groups of people misunderstanding the other’s position.

But sometimes a political dispute is the result of different groups understanding each other far too well.

By way of example, this excerpt from a recent legislative alert from James P. Allison, general counsel to the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas, a subsidiary affiliate of the Texas Association of Counties (TAC):

Appraisal Caps

S.B. 25 by Sen. Janek would allow each taxing unit to establish an appraisal cap on residential homesteads between 3% and the present 10%. While not mandating the lower appraisal cap, it would place enormous political pressure on counties to lower the appraisal cap to 3%. This would force either budget cuts or a higher tax rate. S.B. 25 is set for hearing before the Senate Finance Committee at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 12 in Room E1.036, Capitol Extension. Please request opposition to S.B. 25.

[Source: Anonymous LST whistle-blower who by the way knows someone who once met Karl Rove; emphasis added by LST]

So first of all, we have an admission from a TAC lobbyist that 3% appraisal caps are what, you know, all those freaking morons called "citizens" actually want from their elected representatives.

And we just love the line, "this would force either budget cuts or a higher tax rate."

Yup, that’s the point. Because we all know that it is the very rare governmental entity that can justify taking more of the public’s money on the basis of outstanding service and satisfied customers.

And those governmental entities that are doing a good job would surely have no difficulty getting voter approval to spend and accomplish even more, right?

Glad we understand each other.

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Comments

5 Responses to “TAC lobbyists admits public wants caps”

Jim Barker on July 19th, 2005 at 10:22 am

Finally, we see the other side hit the nail squarely on the head. In just two sentences, the work of the past few years is summarized:

“While not mandating the lower appraisal cap, it would place enormous political pressure on counties to lower the appraisal cap to 3%. This would force either budget cuts or a higher tax rate.”
Small Pockets Taxpayer on July 19th, 2005 at 12:06 pm

Have notified my State Repesentative and Senator that I have asked the Governor to continue calling special sessions until theyu do their job and give the taxpaying homeowner meaning ful tax appraisal relief of 3%. I also notified them that I would work to unseat the Lt. Gov., Lindsay, Williams, Ogden and the 32 other RINO’s who are trying to get Gambling into the state instead of tax relief for homeowners.
Rolf Strauss on July 19th, 2005 at 12:19 pm

The expanded sales tax to cover auto repairs at 9%? I figure that regular auto maintenance costs about $1000.00 a year, an additional repair of $1000.00 is not uncommon. That adds another $180.00 a year to out of our pocket expense. This may bring back the old shade tree mechanics and do it yourselfers.
And we are trading off the new taxes for WHAT?
Our politician’s firm grip on our wallets has tightened up even further. They seem to have put their hands on our throats. It is disgusting!
Rahman on July 19th, 2005 at 12:40 pm

The entire government is based on tax structure, this is one of the main functions of any government- collection of revenues for smooth running of the country.That said, it did not mean robbing it’s citizens under false pretences.
There is no dearth of money in our local government funds, the chief problem is it’s accountability and extravagance by our elected officials. Once these problems are addressed effectively, assaults on our pockets will be less frequent.
Curtis Turner on July 19th, 2005 at 1:44 pm

Well I’m glad they at least understand. Why can’t they understand that the mentioned budget cuts are what the public wants. Those of us who pay our taxes are not looking for a free ride. We just don’t want to have to pay for everyone else to get that free ride! And please don’t start that crud about cutting Fire and Police That is a smoke screen. Cut the fat not the meat!