What one hand gives, another hand might take away. At least that seems to be part of the necessarily painful conversation in Austin as lawmakers work through the challenges of property tax relief.

State Rep. Drew Springer wants to tax doughnuts. He’s also pitching taxes on vet checkups funeral services; automotive maintenance and repair; and personal coaching; and more than a dozen other products and services that aren’t subject to the state sales tax.

“I would much prefer that we didn’t need (tax) incentives, but we don’t live in an ivory tower,” Dale Craymer, president of the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association, said during a hearing over House Bill 2438, which would reauthorize the two types of tax abatements through 2032.

The possibility of landing a second Chevron Phillips plant in Orange County has prompted debate on whether tax breaks are the best way to entice new companies to the area. County commissioners, and many residents, have said the investment could be a game changer for the local economy, so incentives should be offered as such

The Texas Taxpayers and Research Association (TTARA) issued the following statement today regarding House Bill 3, the school finance reform bill, by state Rep. Dan Huberty, chairman of the House Public Education Committee.