Texas Needs a Permanent, Progressive State Income Tax (middle-class, schools)

[Gree Mountain]

How should we determine the marginal rates? Texas has a GSP comparable to Canada's GDP. The bottom provincial tax rate in Ontario is 5.05%. So, for conversation sake, let's make that the top marginal rate in Texas. This would ensure that the top earners in Texas are still paying less than the citizens of most other states. This revenue would help build and maintain public goods and services --schools (K-12 and higher education), healthcare for all, subsidized childcare, infrastructure, cultural institutions, civil servants -- that are commensurate with the state's population growth and potential while still keeping it a relatively low tax state for the majority of its citizens: the middle-class and working poor. Moreover, this would also allow Texas to keep corporate and business tax rates low in order to ensure that the state remains economically competitive.

[Sandy Springs Rep.]

"Texas Needs a Permanent, Progressive State Income Tax."

Good luck with that.

I am completely in favor of it, but I don't think the powers that be would allow it.

[Lucidus]

There is the small matter of a state income tax being unconstitutional in Texas. Other than that, it's still a terrible idea.

[ClarenceBodiker]

Texas would rather let all schools in the state shut down completely before they would adopt a state income tax. Good luck, though!

[Gree Mountain]

Constitutions can be amended, of course.

[TXTwizter]

If you want to pay a state income tax, MOVE TO CALIFORNIA!

[ScoPro]

Originally Posted by TXTwizter

If you want to pay a state income tax, MOVE TO CALIFORNIA!

And their K-12 schools are in similar shape to ours.

[hoffdano]

As benign and sensible as a .5% rate might seem, I don't trust the legislators enough to manage it and spend it wisely. So I vote NO.

I prefer more local control and funding of my schools. The state should step in when required to address local funding shortfalls ("equalization"). But an income tax is not the answer I want.

[High_Plains_Retired]

My experience with Texas property tax appraisals at 20-35% above market rates tells me Texas could never be trusted with income taxes and certainly if it was under local control. If, however, Texans ever decide they want an income tax, I'll simply leave,..... again.

[ATXIronHorse]

We're taxed enough already, thank you very much!

PS: Texas believe that the government shouldn't be providing things like health care for all, subsidized childcare, cultural institutions, etc. Such things are personal responsibility.