Broad state sales tax began in 1961
In the years following World War II, Texas suffered years of fiscal challenges. A downturn in the oil and gas market meant the state was getting relatively little by way of tax from that industry. With no personal income tax available for revenue, lawmakers in 1961 turned to a general sales tax as a way…
Read MoreTexas schools poised to get multi billion-dollar bump
A key Texas Senate panel agreed Thursday to spend $9 billion on public education and property tax relief, matching the amount approved by the House hours earlier. The two spending plans differ on how to slice up that multi-billion-dollar pie, however.
Read MoreCould Texas’ property tax solution be in California?
Of all the places Gov. Greg Abbott might go for policy ideas, it’s hard to imagine a less likely place than California. But the uber-expensive, highly-taxed, bluest-of-blue states may actually hold the answer to an issue Abbott called an “emergency” during his State of the State address.
Read MoreAnalysis: Property tax relief — but not for all Texas taxpayers
Giving every property owner in Texas a significant tax cut is expensive, but there are less ambitious plans under consideration along with the big ones.
Read MorePort Arthur LNG approved for tax break
Sempra Energy plans to build two production units known as trains at the site that are capable of producing up to 11 million metric tons of LNG each year. The new plant is expected to be completed in January 2023 as part of an investment estimated to be worth at least $5.6 billion.
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