Monday, October 15, 2018

#TXLEGE: Burton's opponent pledges to defend Protectionism and Corporate Favoritism


"Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord,
But a just weight is His delight."
Proverbs 11:1

Beverly Powell is Konni Burton's Democrat general election opponent; the things you learn scrolling through Twitter:
Seriously...Chapter 312?!?

Powell goes further in her linked op-ed:
As a starting point, Chapter 312 of the Texas Tax Code, which authorizes cities and counties to temporarily abate property taxes for economic development projects, will expire on September 1, 2019, unless the legislature extends it. Thanks to the tools available in Chapter 312, thousands of jobs have been created or retained in Fort Worth and General Motors has expanded its operations and created hundreds of new jobs in Arlington.

Considering that Texas has some of the highest property taxes in the nation and most states offer similar economic development incentives, it is imperative that the legislature extends Chapter 312 authority in the next session.
Apparently, Powell's solution for high property taxes is to make it easier for people who can hire lobbyists to pass their tax burden onto the rest of us.  Tax abatements are great for politicians who want to get photo ops.  But they're wretched policy.  The phrase "opportunity cost" comes to mind.

Chapter 312 is a textbook case of collusion between big business and big government at the expense of everyone else.

It's also worth noting the degree to which Konni Burton has been a champion on this issue.

Bottom Line: Special privileges for the rich and powerful is a strange premise around which to base a campaign....
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More on Chapter 312:


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