Magnifisyncopathological

Because the Texas public school finance system was ruled unconstitutional, Rick Perry called the legislature together for a special session (and not for the first time)

To consider legislation that provides for school district property tax relief.

For 2005, Travis County Appraisal District imposed a combined property tax of 0.027423% on my house and land. Of that, 0.01623% was the tax rate for Austin ISD. In other words, more than half of the $2,700 I paid in property taxes for 2005 was for the public school district in which I live.

Yeah, I'd like "relief" from that. I'd like that tax removed entirely, not just temporarily reduced by spending a "state surplus" that doesn't legitimately belong to the state to begin with.

To consider legislation that provides for modification of the franchise tax.

"Dude. We need milk."

"I don't own any cows, man."

"Neither do I."

"Hey! Let's go milk that guy's cows!"

To consider legislation that provides for modification of the motor vehicle sales and use tax.

This proposal isn't getting the attention such a slimy bastard idea deserves. Essentially, the sales tax on used cars won't be imposed upon the actual price, but on the "standard presumptive value," defined as "the average retail value of a motor vehicle as determined by the Texas Department of Transportation, based on a nationally recognized motor vehicle industry reporting service." If what you pay for a used car is more than that "standard presumptive value," then the county tax collector will impose taxes on the sale price. But if the sale price is lower than the "standard presumptive value," then the taxes imposed will be on that price and not what you actually paid.

In other words, if you buy a car that's cheaper than TxDOT's arbitrary calculation based on the Kelly Blue Book value, you'll pay more taxes.

Which means it will make less sense to shop around for cheaper automotive deals when you'll just get hit with a bigger tax bite that might push the price higher than a car sold at or a dollar above TXDOT's price book.

Where did this stupid shit come from?

To consider legislation that provides for modification of the tax on tobacco products.

ATTENTION, SMOKERS! THE STATE FUCKING HATES YOU! HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE TREATED AS A SOURCE OF REVENUE, RENEWABLE AT THE BARREL OF A GUN?

To consider legislation that provides for an appropriation to the Texas Education Agency.

Those of more socialist persuasions have an idea how to provide more money to schools:

Rep. Eddie Rodriguez, D-Austin, once again has filed a bill that would impose a state income tax on Texans.

Texas is one of the few remaining states that doesn't have an income tax. But many liberal think tanks believe it would solve the state's school funding problems — and many other financial woes.

But a statewide income tax is banned by the constitution and would require a public vote to overrule.

Republican leaders have said it's the only tax option that is off the table.

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Ah, yes, the idea that just won't die. Eddie Rodriguez's income tax plan, one of the few things that would drive me from Texas and into another state.

The Texas educational trainwreck will continue piling up until most people understand that education should be privatized and removed entirely from government control.