Dem: If it quacks like a tax, it’s a tax (updated)
Dallas Morning News
Robert T. Garrett/Reporter
All fees, surcharges and other revenue-raising measures would be classified officially as taxes under a state constitutional amendment proposed today by a veteran House Democrat.
Rep. Richard Raymond, D-Laredo, said his “honesty in taxation” measure would prevent politicians — if they peppered taxpayers with higher fees for things like driver’s licenses, hunting licenses and copies of birth certificates — from claiming they balanced Texas’ budget without raising taxes.
“The truth is, if you raise fees, you raise taxes,” said Raymond, vice chair of the House Appropriations Committee.
Rep. Raymond Files Legislation to Protect Texas Families
Tax-Free Food, Drinks, Medicine, and Child-Care Services
LAREDO, Nov. 10, 2010 — Rep. Richard Peña Raymond (D-Laredo) has filed HJR 36 to protect Texans from higher taxes. The constitutional amendment prohibits the legislature from taxing certain food, drinks, medicine, or child-care services.
“These are difficult times and Texas families across the state are facing increasing financial hardships. Most foods and medicines are not taxed — and I want to keep it that way,” said Rep. Raymond. Rep. Raymond added that currently certain foods, bottled water, over the counter medicines, and day care services are exempt from taxation under the tax code. These exemptions are not constitutionally mandated. Each session, Texans face the possibility of being required to pay taxes on indispensable items that their families require to live. “My bill would allow Texans to vote on prohibiting a tax on such things as food and medecine,” said Rep. Raymond.
