West makes (half of) a good point

"Because of the transgression of a land, many are its princes;
But by a man of understanding and knowledge
Right will be prolonged."
Proverbs 28:2

Allan West has a blog post about the Dennis Bonnen/Drew Darby/Mary Gonzalez triangle of the past few days:

Republicans in Texas Sucking up to the Left?

We have a Republican legislator, who is in a “leadership” position here in Texas, in dire need of our dubious “Stuck on Stupid” recognition. His name is Dennis Bonnen. What he has just done is most egregious in nature, and is the reason for the question posed as the title to this missive.

[Long description of Mary Gonzalez that can summarized by saying she's very liberal.]

This goes beyond being stuck on stupid, it is a special kind of stupid, and dangerous at that. Let me pose a question, does anyone believe that in California, their State Assembly Speaker would appoint a solid conservative to a major committee, such as Budget? Does anyone believe that in any blue controlled state legislative body, let’s say Virginia, that they would appoint a conservative to a key committee?

So, why is it here, in Texas, the preeminent constitutional conservative red state in America, that we have a Texas House Speaker taking this action?

West isn't wrong to ask the question.

It's about time somebody did.

If Texas' alleged incumbent "leadership" cares a whit about the long term future, that is a question for which they ought to have an answer.

That being said, the post also illustrates why we can't get too excited.  West is correct that placing Mary Gonzalez on LBB illustrates that the leadership of the Texas house has bad priorities.  But would Allan West really be happy with Drew Darby.

Because, if you're content with Drew Darby over Mary Gonzalez, that ain't gonna get Texas where it needs to go.

As we explained on Thursday, the biggest difference between Drew Darby and Mary Gonzalez is honest.  Yes, it's certainly true that Mary Gonzalez likes to spend taxpayer money for lots of dubious causes.  But Mary Gonzalez will at least tell you that to your face.  Drew Darby, on the other hand, will tell you what you want to hear to your face while undermining your position behind closed doors.

It's the difference between spending money on unions in El Paso vs. spending money on good ol' boys in San Angelo.

Neither is good.

Still, kudos to Allan West for breaching the subject.

It certainly warrants discussion.

Bottom Line: It's certainly the case that the so-called 'leadership' in the Texas house doesn't have the best priorities....

Florida Man's Long, Strange, (Wildly Expensive) Trip

"A good man obtains favor from the Lord,
But a man of wicked intentions He will condemn."
Proverbs 12:2

This is just strange:

For months, the race for Texas GOP chair has been in full swing, with incumbent James Dickey and his high-profile challenger, Allen West, appearing at a slew of at times feisty forums.

But it was not until last week that the two had to disclose their campaign finances for the first time — and West's report brought something of a bombshell: Not only did the former Florida congressman raise nearly half a million dollars — a large amount for such an election — but $250,000 of it came from a single person. That person: Richard Uihlein, the conservative megadonor and shipping supplies magnate from Illinois.

In recent election cycles, the reclusive Uihlein and his wife Liz have become known for bankrolling insurgent conservative candidates across the country, sometimes serving as their primary patrons. Richard Uihlein gave $37.7 million to outside spending groups during the 2018 cycle, making him the fourth biggest donor to such entities and putting him in the ranks of people like Sheldon Adelson and Michael Bloomberg, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.

For now, it is not entirely clear why Uihlein has taken such an interest in the race to lead the Texas GOP — a job that entails keeping it well-funded and organized ahead of a crucial November election for state Republicans.

Huh?!?

For several months, West's RPT campaign has been one of the odder phenomenons to observe.  While we understand West isn't a serious candidate, and that he wants to be RPT chair to boost his speaking fees, it still doesn't explain any of this.  Because West still needs to win the RPT race for this business strategy to pay off.

It's hard to see how this does anything other than antagonize convention delegates.

Richard Uihlein, on the other hand, is obviously a chump.

Bottom Line: You do you Florida Man.

#TXLEGE: On property taxes, several good proposals.

"But the former governors who were before me laid burdens on the people, and took from them bread and wine, besides forty shekels of silver. Yes, even their servants bore rule over the people, but I did not do so, because of the fear of God."
Nehemiah 5:15

With property taxes once again likely to be a major issue next session, several good proposals exist:

• The Governor's proposal -- Governor Abbott's proposal would require local governments to obtain voter approval before they would be allowed to raise taxes over 2.5%.  Furthermore, the governor wants significantly more ballot transparency for bond elections.  Finally, the governor wants to create super-majority requirements to pass bonds!!!
  
  Pros: Covers all forms of local governments (school districts, cities, counties, special purpose).  The ballot transparency stuff is something we've been advocating for years.  SUPER MAJORITIES FOR BOND ELECTIONS!!!
  
  Cons: Doesn't 'cut' taxes in a top-line sense (although, the resulting income growth will probably mean a bottom-line cut as a percentage of household budgets.  Difficult to pass politically (Because it's so wide ranging, invites wide ranging opposition).  Rural R's and their taxpayer funded lobbyists will scream to high heaven about the alleged costs of special elections -- BS argument but simple talking point.

• The TPPF Proposal -- TPPF's proposal would implement a strong spending cap at the state level and use the resulting savings to "buy down" school district M&O taxes over time.
  
  Pros: Because you're giving Rural R's and D's something they want (more state level education spending), it's more difficult for them to oppose.  Because this would only impact school districts, other forms of local governments likely to stay on sidelines.  Direct cut to biggest item on most people's tax bill.
  
  Having the state pick up a bigger share of the education spending tab is also the simplest way to move from a property tax to a consumption tax.
  
  Cons: Because it only covers school districts, won't stop cities, counties, and special purpose districts from consequently jacking up their own spending.

• The "Steve Toth" proposal -- During convention week, former (and likely future) State Rep. Steve Toth testified in front of the legislative priorities committee in favor of ABOLISHING APPRAISAL DISTRICTS and taxing properties at the price of sale.
  
  We didn't know this until we heard Rep. Toth's testimony, but apparently Texas appraisal districts cost taxpayers over $1 BILLION a year in direct operating costs; thus, in addition to the tax cut for homeowners, abolishing apprasal districts saves significant money on the spending side.
  
  Finally, as someone who regularly participates in the battles around gentrification in a major urban area...allow this author to politely, but firmly, suggest that a serious effort to abolish appraisal districts would be VERY well received in the African-American and Hispanic communities in the major urban areas.  Woe unto the Democrat who might oppose such an effort.  In light of the #WalkAway movement, this is a point to VERY seriously consider.
  
  Pros: The biggest potential tax cut of all.  Possible SIGNIFICANT political upside.  Basic Fairness.
  
  Cons: Impossible to predict the unintended consequences of a shock to the system of this magnitude.

Politically speaking, some form of the TPPF proposal is probably the easiest to get to the Governor's desk (although a serious effort on appraisal districts could take off like a prairie fire).

Bottom Line: It's way to early to know where potential votes may lie, but any of these ideas would be a significant step in the right direction.

#TXLEGE: A primer on the WRETCHED Practice Known as Taxpayer Funded Lobbying

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

With abolishing taxpayer funded lobbying now an official RPT legislative priority, this 2017 primer from TPPF begins to illustrate the extent of the problem:

2017 11 PolicyBrief TaxpayerFundedLobbying–CEP DeVore by texaspolicy on Scribd

Bottom Line: Honestly, the TPPF paper understates the extent of the problem, but it's a good place to start.

The nastiest, most negative, campaign since Dewhurst

"A false witness will not go unpunished,
And he who speaks lies shall perish."
Proverbs 19:9

Before we leave the RPT convention, one final point deserves discussion: The noxious vindictiveness of Cindy Crocker Asche's campaign.

Asche's campaign was never about anything more than power for the sake of power.  There's an entrenched group that's been running this state for a long, long, time.  They're losing power.  They don't want to give it up.

Cindy Crocker Asche was their chosen vehicle.

Of course, you can't run a campaign on your desire to contain power within a small clique.  So they went with specious character attacks.  Securities fraud!  Accounting irregularities!  James Dickey fired incompetent people on staff!  It was a farce, and everyone knew it was a farce (some people played along with the farce for the sake of power).  Friday afternoon's stunt was merely the icing on the cake.

But, of course, we've seen this before.

In 2012 and 2014, everybody knew that David Dewhurst was interested in nothing more than power for the sake of power.  So Dewhurst was losing.  So Dewhurst attacked.  Ted Cruz is a Red Chinese Tire Manufacturer!  Dan Patrick spent time in a mental institution!  You know the results.  That Dewhurst got ripped off by his campaign consultants was the icing on the cake.

Bottom Line: Good riddance to both....

#RPTCon18: Upon further consideration, the adopted language on Plank 187 is dangerous

"It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness,
For a throne is established by righteousness."
Proverbs 16:12

We said our piece about the sexual harassment plank on Saturday night.  We stand by EVERY.  SINGLE.  WORD. of that piece.  But, having had a few days to digest event, the language that was adopted is REALLY problematic.

To review:

Sexual Harassment: RPT supports a zero tolerance policy for sexual harassment.

The problem with that statement is that it doesn't define the phrases "zero tolerance" or "sexual harassment."  It also doesn't contain the phrase "due process."  That's trouble.

The ironic thing is that the only objection raised during floor debate concerned bad Title IX investigations.  NEWSFLASH: Vague language like what the delegates actually approved is HOW YOU GET BAD TITLE IX INVESTIGATIONS.  Of course, our amendment would have fixed that....

The good news, of course, is that the RPT staff has sense.  They won't take that language to the places it could go.  But if you had language like that in the wrong hands....

Bottom Line: Stupid, unforced, error.

#RPTCon18: Final Legislative Priorities

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Luke 12:34

The final legislative priorities have been posted.

It was an very interesting, intense process.  The debates were grueling.  The priorities didn't turn out exactly how this author would have written them, but within each item there are issues which this author supports very strongly.

Mostly, we're just happy our taxpayer-funded lobbying stuff sailed through with flying colors.

A note for future conventions: We really should have seven priorities instead of five.

Thank you to all the members of the committee.  We had some contentious discussions about details, but in a broad sense we were pulling in the same direction.  You only need to look at what happened with the platform to see how it could have gone differently.

An extra special, super-duper, THANK YOU to our fantastic committee chair Amy Clark.  Amy ran an open, fair, process that allowed all sides to be heard while still keeping us focused and on-task.  We look forward to the reunion next session.

Without further ado:

Final Report of the Permanent Legislative Priorities Committee by Cahnman on Scribd

#RPTCon18: A DEVASTATING end to an otherwise great Convention

"It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness,
For a throne is established by righteousness."
Proverbs 16:12

[Note: You can read Olivia Messer's original 2013 piece in the Texas Observer here.  You can read her 2017 reports here and here.  You can read the Texas Tribune's reporting on the subject here.  You can read the Austin Chronicle's reporting on the subject here.]

We still can't believe that it happened.

Assuming it survived the vote by the delegates, we expect plank 187 of the 2018 Republican party of Texas platform to read:

Sexual Harassment: RPT supports a zero tolerance policy for sexual harassment.

The good news: This is the first time in history the RPT platform has addressed it.

The bad news: It's a weak, toothless, unenforceable position.  It doesn't mention why the plank is in there in the first place.  It's the Texas Alliance for "Life" of sexual misconduct planks.

We moved to amend the plank to instead read:

Sexual Misconduct:  RPT supports a zero-tolerance policy for all forms of sexual misconduct in the Texas Legislature.  We furthermore call upon the Legislature to create a credible system of due process to adjudicate complaints within two weeks.  In the event complaints are found to be valid, we call upon the legislature to create tangible penalties including, but not limited to, loss of committee chairmanship and dismissal.

Our amendment was designed to give teeth to the existing language.

Unfortunately, and inexplicably, the delegates voted it down.  It wasn't close.  Two thirds/one third.

[Note (11:48 pm): We're trying to edit this post to get it up before midnight...and we still can't believe we read that last paragraph.]
.
We don't get it.

The Texas Legislature is a disgusting cesspool.  Whatever the excesses of the national "hashtagMeToo" movement, the Texas Legislature is a legit case.  The Texas Legislature is Harvey Weinstein, not Aziz Ansari.

And, to be honest, some of the behavior we saw the past few days confirmed our worst fears.

We saw a Texas house Committee Chairman get into an elevator at one in the morning with a woman who wasn't his wife.  We saw another member of the Texas house at the hotel bar gettin' real grabby with any hot young thing that would move.  By themselves, neither is proof of anything...but let's just say that the circumstantial evidence is strong.

Also, this is not one of those "allegedly" cases.  We saw this with our own eyes.  We dare either of the legislators in question to sue this author.  We have witnesses.

[Note: We wanted to get video, but there was no way to film in a way that wouldn't have been obvious.]

-------

The worst part is that the objections during floor debate didn't make sense.

One person spoke against who he made vague comments about political correctness and lack of due process in Title IX investigations.

Here's the thing: WE.  LITERALLY.  INCLUDED.  THE.  PHRASE.  DUE.  PROCESS.  IN.  OUR.  AMENDMENT.  LANGUAGE.

-------

In hindsight, our biggest mistake was not taking the time to educate the delegates (we should have literally used the phrases "adultery" and "prostitution").  There was limited time to discuss platform amendments. We were trying to be a team player.  We were trying tosave time.  We assumed that if we mentioned Olivia Messer by name, delegates would take our word for it and do their own research later.

We all know what they say about the word "assume."

Our other mistake was not forcing a discussion on this topic in the legislative priorities committee.  To be honest, the taxpayer funded lobbying/union dues stuff was going so well that we didn't want to annoy the committee by asking for more.  We assumed we could get the language we wanted in the platform, and that that would be good enough.

Once again, everybody knows what they say about the word "assume."

[Note for future legislative priorities committees: If we had had seven legislative priorities to work with, instead of five, this author wouldn't have felt that pushing this issue would be perceived as selfish.]

-------

Note to this website's left-of-center readers: The real reason for today's result was the backlash to the national "hashtagMeToo" movement.  They went too far.  And, obviously, the results speak for themselves.

Imagine a world where the Republican Party of Texas adopts strong language condemning sexual misconduct by elected officials...and know that the only reason we're not currently living in that world is because an ambitious feminist blogger went after Aziz Ansari.

[Second note for this website's left-of-center readers: Even though RPT just face-planted on cleaning up the state legislature, given the cases of Joe Barton and Blake Farenthold, RPT still has the strongest record of ANY state level political party in the country at getting our own elected officials to leave office once the evidence becomes undeniable.]

-------

Note for this website's right-of-center readers: You don't understand the opportunity you just missed.

The saddest part is that we just re-read our blog post from the day Joe Barton left office.

-------

Republicans like to waste time holding pointless meetings about "millennial outreach."

News Flash MORONS:  THE.  AMENDMENT.  LANGUAGE.  WAS.  AN.  ACT.  OF. MILLENNIAL. OUTREACH.

And you just whiffed.

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Bottom LIne: A very small improvement on the status quo...but it could have been so much more.

#RPTCon18: How to ACTUALLY prevent school shootings

Ken Paxton Speaking

"Every one of the builders had his sword girded at his side as he built. And the one who sounded the trumpet was beside me.
Nehemiah 4:18

We attended this afternoon's RPT convention event with Gun Owners of America concerning the Second Amendment and the recent round of so-called "school shootings."

The Texas house Freedom Caucus opened the discussion with a legislative update on Constitutional Carry.  The short version is that a lot of politics happened last session.  Matt Schafer also pointed out that firearms regulations are embedded all over Texas' various codes, so successfully eliminating them is more complicated than it looks.  Schaefer also pointed out that firearms restrictions leave women in bad relationships vulnerable to the whims of their partners.

Attorney General Paxton made the most interesting remarks.  Paxton discussed how Israel does school safety better than any other country.  During the 1970's following various "Palestinian" attacks on innocent schoolchildren, Israel implemented measures to assure competent armed guards are stationed at every school.  Israel also allows armed teachers in classrooms.  Following the implementation of these measure, Israel hasn't seen an active shooter event in a school setting in over 40 years.

We've been meaning to point out that General Paxton is the only person talking sense about school security for a few weeks; we're glad to have this opportunity.

Ted Cruz was scheduled to speak, but got stuck in D.C.  His father spoke in the Senator's stead.  Rafael Cruz explained how his experience in Cuba illustrates how an armed citizenry is necessary.  Rafael Cruz also pointed out that Switzerland requires it's population to be armed and that it hasn't been invaded in centuries.

Chip Roy was the final speaker.  Roy discussed his recent experience at his children's school during the Austin bombings.  Roy pointed out how the Southwest Austin bombing happened near the school.  During the next several days, parents fanned out near campus to protect the students.  Roy discussed how this is the proper response to safety threats AND how gun regulations wouldn't have made a difference in this situation.  Roy also pointed out that the odds of a child being killed in school are 1 in 614 million.  [Disclosure: Chip Roy and this author have mutual friends whose children attend the school in question.]

Bottom Line:  Informative event.

RPT Convention: Temporary Legislative Priorities Committee Report

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Luke 12:34

[Note: We are EXTREMELY unlikely to support expanding the call in any form.]

[Note II: We will NOT be checking Facebook messages for the duration of today's committee hearing.]

We're currently sitting in the permanent legislative priorities committee, for informational purposes here is the report from the temporary committee:

REPORT_ Temporary Legislative Priorities Committee Report by Cahnman on Scribd

#TXLEGE: Why nothing ever changes in Government (in 3 pictures)

"When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice;
But when a wicked man rules, the people groan."
Proverbs 29:2

RPT Convention -- One of the interesting foibles of the San Antonio convention center is that, at the Westernmost entrance, there are a series of plaques celebrating former San Antonio City Council members who helped funnel taxpayer dollars into the convention center.

Check out the first:

Here's the second:

In other words, you have a current committee chairman in the Texas house and a Texas Senator who were both previous members of the San Antonio City Council when the city council worked to expand the convention center.

Bottom Line: There's nothing quite like seeing it with your own eyes....

#TXLEGE: Our Legislative Priorities....

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."
Matthew 6:33

It's not a secret that this author is a member of the RPT convention's temporary legislative priorities committee.  It's also not a secret that we're sticking around Austin on Monday for the UT baseball game.  Given those conflicting realities, it makes sense to publish a blog post about why we sought the position.

Process Reforms.

Every legislative session, grassroots priorities get killed.  The reason why is that there's a deeply entrenched good ol' boy network at the Capitol.  The three process reforms we propose are the most important steps one can take to dismantle and eliminate that network.

• Eliminate ALL FORMS of taxpayer funded lobbying.
  
  The first amendment guarantees private citizens the right to petition their government; governmental entities hiring political hacks to undermine taxpayers perverts the founders intent.
  
  Taxpayer funded lobbying is compelled political speech.  Governmental entities should not be allowed to use their own citizens' money to undermine the afore mentioned citizens.  It's that simple.
  
  Therefore, the Texas Legislature needs to pass legislation prohibiting political subdivisions from hiring lobbyists or paying dues to anti-Taxpayer organizations such as (but not limited to) the Texas Municipal League, the Texas Association of Counties, the Texas Association of School Administrators, or the Texas Association of School Boards.

• Abolish Collective Bargaining for ALL Employees of the State of Texas AND its Political Subdivisions.
  
  While taxpayer funded lobbying is the worst abomination, colluding against taxpayers isn't far behind.
  
  Whatever his other flaws, former Democrat president Franklin Roosevelt believed: "All Government employees should realize that the process of collective bargaining, as usually understood, cannot be transplanted into the public service. It has its distinct and insurmountable limitations when applied to public personnel management. The very nature and purposes of Government make it impossible for administrative officials to represent fully or to bind the employer in mutual discussions with Government employee organizations. The employer is the whole people, who speak by means of laws enacted by their representatives in Congress. Accordingly, administrative officials and employees alike are governed and guided, and in many instances restricted, by laws which establish policies, procedures, or rules in personnel matters.”  This website agrees.
  
  Therefore this website calls upon the Texas Legislature to pass legislation that converts EVERY employee of the State of Texas and EVERY political subdivision to "at-will" status.

• Neutering ALL FORMS of Sexual Misconduct.
  
  Whatever the excesses of the national #MeToo movement, grotesque forms of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and sexual relations between legislators and lobbyists are a Harvey Weinstein style "open secret" in the Texas Legislature.
  
  Such behavior is wrong.
  
  Therefore, this website calls upon the Texas Legislature to pass legislation reigning in its own sexual misconduct.

Dickey Raises Interesting Point about Detailed Platform

"When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice;
But when a wicked man rules, the people groan."
Proverbs 29:2

[Note on Format: We didn't take notes at last night's event, so we're writing this post from memory; the statements to which we will be referring in this post should be interpreted as paraphrases, not direct quotes.]

We attended last night's Hill Country YR convention training:



The program was what one would expect.  It mostly covered logistics.  Essential information for rookies.  Good review for veterans.

But during his remarks, Chairman Dickey made an interesting point about the platform.  Dickey stated that one of his biggest surprises upon becoming chairman was that he actually liked having a detailed platform.  The reason why was that it meant he didn't have to guess at the will of the body when unexpected issues came up.

Dickey specifically cited a conversation he had with a reporter about NAFTA.  Dickey was able to look up the party's position on NAFTA and easily answer the reporter's question.  Had the NAFTA plank in the platform not existed, Dickey would have had to guess.

Dickey also pointed out the absurdity of complaining about having a couple hundred planks in the platform when there are over 6000 bills filed during a legislative session.

Bottom Line: We hadn't thought about that....

#TXLEGE: Kolkhorst's WAY Too Little, WAY to Late Sexual Misconduct "Policy"....

"It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness,
For a throne is established by righteousness."
Proverbs 16:12

[Note: You can read what we said last December about the house's new policy here; you can read what we said about the Senate's lack of interest in this topic here and here.]

Nope, not even close:

The Texas Senate has adopted a new sexual harassment policy that mandates in-person anti-sexual harassment training for senators and offers more details on specific steps for reporting inappropriate behavior.

The Senate’s policy, which was sent out to Senate staffers on Wednesday, was expanded from a one-page document to a more extensive set of guidelines that provide detailed examples of what constitutes sexual harassment and more thoroughly explain the ways victims can get help through internal and external complaint processes.

The revisions come months after the The Texas Tribune detailed a wide range of harassment in state politics and the scant protections offered to victims through the chambers' policies, and after The Daily Beast detailed accounts of sexual assault in the Legislature. Those accounts included specific allegations against Democratic state Sens. Borris Miles of Houston and Carlos Uresti of San Antonio. Both have denied the allegations.

Like in the House — where lawmakers revised the chamber’s policy in December — the Senate’s training can’t be required of individual lawmakers, some of whom were behind the worst behavior recounted to the Tribune.

In a letter to her colleagues obtained by the Tribune, Senate Administration Chair Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, indicated a list of lawmakers who have completed the training would be available to the public. But the chamber’s policy does not appear to set any sort of immediate deadline for current elected officials.

Instead, the revised policy indicates that in-person training will be offered every two years and that new employees must complete an online training within the first 30 days of their employment.

The policy was also revised to specifically state that senators will not be involved in investigating other senators, leaving investigations to the chamber's human resources director and "impartial attorneys."

But questions remain about how senators, who ultimately answer to voters back home, could be disciplined if they are found to have sexually harassed someone.

[Note: Emphasis added.]

What a joke.

So-called "training requirements" don't change behavior.   "Training" is about protecting employers from liability.  To change behavior, you need meaningful consequences.

Then there's the fact that Borris Miles seems to be getting away with everything.  Obviously, Uresti gave them an easy out.  But what about Miles?!?

As far as consequences are concerned, the two most important ones are loss of committee chairmanship and expulsion.

Of course, that's the whole point of our convention resolution.

On the other hand, at least Craig Estes lost his primary.

Bottom Line: The whole situation is disgusting....

TPPF Report: Hotel Occupancy Taxes are Theft

"For the former governors that were before me, had been chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, besides forty shekels of silver: yea, and their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God."
Nehemiah 5:15

Correct:

Taxes increase cost for Texas Travel TPPF releases paper on hotel occupancy tax

AUSTIN – Today, ahead of a travel-heavy Memorial Day Weekend, the Texas Public Policy Foundation released a paper on hotel occupancy taxes in Texas and the increased costs they add to tourism. “Texans and out-of-state visitors must pay exorbitant taxes for overnight stays in hotels or short-term rentals,” said Carine Martinez-Gouhier, one of the paper’s authors and a research analyst in the Center for Economic Prosperity at TPPF. “As visitors seek to experience the beauty of the Lone Star State, they are required to financially ‘enhance and promote tourism and the convention and hotel industry’ through the hotel occupancy tax, but it really hurts local businesses instead. Without the tax, visitors could stay longer and spend more instead.” The Texas hotel occupancy tax is levied at the state and local levels. Most accommodations are taxed at a rate between 6 and 17.5 percent. Texas’ largest cities have some of the highest rates in the nation. “More information is needed to figure out the effect the tax has on Texas' economy,” Martinez-Gouhier. “Texas and its visitors would benefit from a repeal of the local hotel occupancy tax."

This is personally relevant. We just spent three days up in Arlington. The combined taxes increased the cost of our hotel by about 30%.

We also learned a few interesting points:

• The state level hotel occupancy tax helps fund the Governor's various "major event" slush funds.

• The Dallas convention center is one of the major recipients of local hotel occupancy taxes; you can read our "ode" to the Dallas Convention Center, from the 2016 RPT convention, here.

• The notion of levying a tax to promote "economic development" is ass-backwards to begin with.

Finally, no discussion of hotel occupancy taxes is complete without recalling how Ellen Troxclair's MASTERFULLY outmaneuvered Mayor Adler last year.

Bottom Line: Hotel Occupancy Taxes should be abolished statewide.

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2018 04 RR Hotel Occupancy Tax in Texas CEP MartinezHunker by texaspolicy on Scribd

Dan Patrick's GOP Convention Speech

"The horse is prepared for the day of battle,
But deliverance is of the Lord."
Proverbs 21:31

Dan Patrick gave a fantastic speech at the GOP convention; his campaign finally made it public:



Highlights:

• "If you love America, the constitution, Texas, Free Markets, the Second Amendment, and the liberty that comes from God, welcome to the grassroots of the Republican Party of Texas."

• "The Democrats have this outfit called Battleground Texas, well they've picked the wrong ground to do Battle on."

• We have the high ground on every issue:
• Life
• School Choice
• Second Amendment.

• The harvest of Democrat voters who are members of minority populations is plenty; we just have to go out, tell them who we are, what we stand for, and we will bring them into our party.

• "The Democrats will not stand for safe communities for our Hispanic citizens, but we will."

Greg Abbott launches Bicentennial Blueprint

"The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way,
But the folly of fools is deceit."
Proverbs 14:8

One highlight of the Republican convention was General Abbott's speech.  It outlined a detailed conservative agenda that General Abbott intends to purusue as Governor.  We'll bring you the full speech as soon as it becomes available, but Team Abbott just released this web video:



Highlights:

• "The Bicentennial Blueprint will assure that Texans born today will live in a state with better schools."

• "It is time for government to listen to you, not the other way around." 

• "It will allow Texas to live up to our promise of greater opportunity to absolutely everyone, regardless of your race, your religion, or which zip code you come from."

The Plans:

• Read Abbott's economic agenda here.
• Point of Personal Privilege: It's FREAKIN' Excellent!!!

• Read Abbott's education agenda here and here and here.

• Read Abbott's "We the People" agenda here.

• Read Abbott's Health Care agenda here.

• Read Abbott's public safety agenda here.

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Update: Read the transcript of Abbott's speech:

Republican Party of Texas State Convention Speech: *Greg Abbott often deviates from prepared remarks. The following has been condensed for purposes of brevity.

Thank you Fort Worth. Thanks to my daughter Audrey for her introduction. From the moment I held her on the day she was born, I’ve thanked God for the precious gift of her life.

I’m proud to be joined by my beautiful wife Cecilia. She has a heart as big as Texas. But it’s her soul where you see her real strength. We were married for just two years when a huge oak tree crashed down onto my back leaving me paralyzed and forever changing our lives. It is so easy for brides and grooms to recite the wedding vow– for better for worse, in sickness and in health. But it is awesome to see your spouse truly embrace those vows like Cecilia has. Two months from now, we will celebrate our 33rd wedding anniversary. That shows the character of the next First Lady of Texas.

[...]

We gather today under the promise that sets this state apart: That through hard work and big dreams each of us can succeed and each generation can surpass the previous one. Texas is the place where that promise still remains true. We're here today because we love this state too much to let the next four years in Texas look like the last six years under Barack Obama. I refuse to let our children be condemned to liberal policies that saddle them with debt, where the middle class is burdened with regulations that drive up costs and kill jobs, where government power overtakes individual freedom. I will not let them California our Texas.

Barack Obama and his operatives have set their sights on Texas. Liberal elites from the East Coast to the West Coast have fawned over and financed my opponent to try to remake Texas in their image. We’ve already seen that image. The President showed disdain for Texas values when – at a San Francisco cocktail party – he belittled Americans who “cling” to guns and God.

My opponent shares Barack Obama's mindset. She’s voted to restrict 2nd Amendment rights and even said she would “happily” sign gun restrictions into law. She took action against keeping God in our Pledge of Allegiance. And she stood for 13 hours to advocate abortion – even after five months. Of all things she then said she was pro-life because she wants every child to have a better chance in life. But for a child to have a chance in life – a child must first have a chance at life. I have news for the Obama Democrats: Texans value life. We trust in God. And Texans know the 2nd Amendment and the 10th Amendment are not suggestions - they are guaranteed rights.

My opponent even went to New York City and trashed Texas policies – calling our policies toxic. Toxic? Tell that to the leaders of Toyota who are moving their headquarters to Texas. Tell that to Catholic Latinas who praise Texas for protecting life. And tell that to the millions of middle class Texans who’ve landed a job in the state with the best business climate in America.

Talk about toxic – it’s my opponent’s record that's toxic to Texas. She didn’t just vote to raise taxes. She specifically targeted seniors and the disabled for higher taxes. She supports President Obama's EPA war on the Texas energy industry. And she's already said she would expand ObamaCare in Texas. Her prescription for Texas – is more government. My prescription? More freedom. You deserve a governor who will fight for freedom, for our future, for real Texas values. That’s why I’m proud to be your nominee for Governor of Texas.

This election is about two very different visions for Texas. What’s at stake is what kind of Texas children born today inherit when they graduate from college in 2036? 2036 is more than just 22 years from today. In 2036, we celebrate the bicentennial of Texas independence that put us on a pathway to become the greatest state in the nation. In 2036, we will look back at 200 years of accomplishments. At a victory at San Jacinto that gave birth to a Republic - and eventually the 28th State. At a frontier spirit that inspired generations of Texans to pioneer the way in the oil patch, on ranch lands and ultimately into outer space.

[...]

The bicentennial blueprint will ensure Texans born today will live in a state with better schools, better healthcare, safer communities, and – of course – the best job market in the country. My blueprint limits the size of government. It stimulates the private sector to create more jobs and lets you keep more of your money. My plan sets real spending limits in the Constitution. Your family has to live within a budget - government should too. My plan protects the Rainy Day Fund from being used like an ATM to pay for government operations. And my plan stops diverting transportation funding away from building roads. Money raised for roads should be spent on roads.

[...]

But Texans cannot prosper if they aren’t safe. My bicentennial blueprint offers new programs to crack down on horrendous crimes like human trafficking, domestic violence and sexual assault. And it makes schools safer for our children. And my plan will do what the federal government has failed to do: It will secure our porous border from the drug cartels and gangs that import crime to our state. This is more than just a border issue. We’ve seen the deadly danger of cartel activity infiltrate our schools and contaminate communities across the state. Our priorities are wrong when we live in a state that stops a valedictorian from mentioning God at a graduation speech but doesn’t stop drug cartels from crossing our border. As Governor, I will provide the tools and manpower we need to secure our border and I will enforce the rule of law.

The border is not the only thing the federal government is failing at. Just look at federal run healthcare. ObamaCare and VA care make one thing clear: the federal government doesn’t have a clue how to run healthcare. We need to get government out of healthcare and allow doctors and patients – not bureaucrats – to decide what’s best for our health. I’ve heard too many stories of patients losing their trusted doctor, seniors being excluded from the best hospitals, families being stuck with hefty bills, and doctors not only leaving their profession but leaving America with a shrinking supply of doctors. As Attorney General, I sued to stop ObamaCare. As Governor, I will continue to fight for a healthcare system that puts patients first and bureaucrats last. We need to look no further than the VA to see the future under Obamacare. No veteran who has fought for this country should suffer the indignity of being denied care due to bureaucratic bungling. It is time to renew this nation’s commitment to our warriors. Having served on the frontlines, they should go to the front of the line.

The cornerstone of my bicentennial blueprint is education. My wife has been both a teacher and a principal. We’ve seen how education can transform young lives so children can achieve things their parents couldn’t even dream of.

The job of the Governor is to set the vision. Here’s mine: Texas proudly ranks number one in the nation for job creation. We’re number one for energy. We’re number one for exports, for farms, for so many things. The time has come for Texas to set its sights on another number one ranking. Texas should be number one in the nation for educating our children.

[...]

My bicentennial blueprint focuses on helping every child learn to read and do math – at grade level – by third grade. My plan returns genuine local control to schools by allowing schools to opt out of mandates from Austin. Teachers and parents know far better how to educate our children. than do a bunch of bureaucrats in Austin or Washington. And my plan will stop forcing teachers to teach to so many high-stakes tests. When Texas reaches its bicentennial – it won’t matter how any child did on a four hour test. What will matter is if our children are prepared for the challenges of tomorrow. My bicentennial blueprint ensures Texas children will be ready for those challenges.

[...]

Our fight is not with another candidate or party. It's a fight for the future of every Texan. And I will never stop fighting for their future. To Texans looking for leadership that doesn’t take them for granted - that speaks to their highest hopes and deepest concerns - I am your candidate. To Texans wary of modern day politics who want candidates to say what they are for - not just what they are against - I am your candidate. And for Texans looking for a champion of Texas values - for a leader who won’t back down from the fight for liberty - I am your candidate.

Let me close by sharing a lesson I learned in a different kind of race. Running track. After practice was over and we had run all the required laps, we decided to run just one more. That extra work helped me go undefeated in the regular season. I’ve applied that lesson in everything I do. After the accident that left me in this wheelchair, I had to find a way to rebuild my strength. After work – long after the sun had set – I would come home, change clothes, and roll four blocks down the road to an 8-story parking garage. To work out – I would roll up that garage repeatedly. The first floor of the parking garage was easy. With each floor, it seemed like the garage got steeper and harder to climb - but I wasn’t about to quit. As I pushed harder and harder – ignoring the pain – I just kept saying to myself: just one more, just one more, just one more.

I apply the same lesson to this campaign. When I finish making all my calls for the day, I make just one more. When I go to events and shake hands before I leave, I shake just one more.

My friends, we have more than a track meet to win; more than a parking garage to climb – we're fighting for the very future of Texas. If we're going to make Texas freer, stronger and better, then I need you to join me in doing just one more. If every day you can knock on just one more door, make just one more call, send just one more email, take just one more person to the polls – then we will do more than win just one more election - we will win the next generation.

Thank you.

God Bless you all.

And may God Bless Texas.

Rafael Cruz: How to Vet Candidates Biblically

"Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens."
Exodus 18:21

Sarah Rumpf is a good friend of this website; she had a fascinating conversation with Rafael Cruz at the GOP convention:



Highlights:

• In the U.S. there are 65 million evangelical Christians, 3 out of 4 of us don't vote. 

• The Gospel is about a lot more than John 3:16 

• The Bible talks a lot about politics. 

•  The Bible tells you exactly how to vet a candidate. 

•  Covetousness in government isn't primarily about money, it's about power and control. 

• The constitution was written on the knees of the framers. 

• "What we are seeing in America today is not something pastors can justify on a Biblical basis." 

•  We are supposed to be the light of the world and we're too often using flashlights. 

• "If we are silent, are we not justifying the wicked?!?"  

RPT Convention 2014: Ken Paxton

"Therefore by their fruits you will know them."
Matthew 7:20

Ken Paxton's RPT Convention Speech:



Highlights:

• The two commandments of Texas Republican Politics
• Don't speak after Ted Cruz
• Don't speak after Rafael Cruz.

• After Obama's election, the focus changed from state to federal issues.

• "Make no mistake, Texas is under assault...because we've been successful."

• "I will say one good thing about Barack Obama...he did motivate Republican Attorneys General to re-assert the 10th Amendment."

• "Texas has an opportunity to secure our destiny the same way our founders did."

• "No other state is positioned to challenge Obama's competing vision better than Texas."

A Hero's Welcome for Senator Ted Cruz

"Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong."
1 Corinthians 16:13

Phenomenal speech by Ted Cruz at last weekend's GOP convention:



Highlights:

• "I spent all week in Washington D.C. and it's great to be back in America."

• Texans have always led the way for Freedom, from Dwight D. Eisenhower, to Rick Perry, to Rand Paul.

• The Constitution was designed, as Thomas Jefferson said, "to bind the mischief of government."

• "If you're litigating against nuns, you've probably done something wrong."

• "We already have a common core in this country, it's called the Constitution of the United States."

• "In the time Pastor Saeed has been in that jail he has led dozens of his fellow captives and jailers to Christ."

• The people who are struggling are the ones hurt most by the Obama economy.

• Unleash the American energy renaissance that is producing MILLIONS of high paying jobs.

• "Repeal every blessed word of Obamacare."

• Abolish the IRS.

• Audit the Federal Reserve.

• In 1980, Washington D.C. despised Ronald Reagan.