Filibuster Forces Special Session in Texas

[Judi Lynn]

Filibuster Forces Special Session in Texas

By APRIL CASTRO, Associated Press Writer
Thursday, July 21, 2005

(07-21) 01:17 PDT Austin, Texas (AP) --
Republican Gov. Rick Perry called lawmakers back for another special session starting Thursday because they were unable to finalize an agreement on a school funding plan.

Perry's call came late Wednesday — the final day of a 30-day session — as lawmakers failed to approve to a $2.4 billion plan. They already had given up on passage of an accompanying property tax relief bill.

"We have a filibuster that's going to appear to run out the clock this evening," Perry said. Both chambers adjourned shortly after midnight.Perry said the chambers were close to agreements on both bills, and he hoped the next special session could end quickly. The session can end before the 30th day.

Sen. John Whitmire, a Democrat, made good on his filibuster threat at 9:45 p.m. and talked until the session ended.

"This bill does not solve school finance in any significant way," Whitmire said. "It has united Democrats and Republicans to oppose this."
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2005/07/21/national/a011759D11.DTL

[WhiteTara]

1. good hair is having problems with the repukes?

Maybe there is hope somewhere

[alarimer]

2. the last thing we need is tax "relief"

or higher sales taxes. The proposal I read some time ago (not sure if it was still the plan) would have resulted in sales taxes in most places over 10% which is unconscionable. Partly they would have to make up for the loss of revenue from "tax relief" (property tax relief I guess which of course us renters would never see- it isn't as though my landlord will LOWER my rent when his tax bill goes down). My plan: no lowering of property taxes, raise sales taxes a much smaller amount, close loopholes for business taxes. I don't know how that balances out though.

Actually, we need an income tax but that will never happen.