Press Room
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.