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4/26/2006
TNT Disappointed by House Sellout on Sharp Vote; Vows Renewed Effort to Stop Tax Bill in Senate HOUSTON, Texas, April 25 /Christian Newswire/ -- TEXANS for NO new TAXE$ (TNT)—formed specifically to oppose the Sharp Tax Proposal, and a project of Conservative Republicans of Texas, PAC—is sorely disappointed in the late- night passage of the Sharp Tax scheme by the Texas House of Representatives—an overwhelming abandonment of the Republican Party’s platform. “Despite this betrayal by House Republicans, the fight is not over and we are confident that we can win this struggle in the Senate,” said Norman Adams, TNT co-chairman. “The members of the Senate understand that a state income tax, which this would be, is illegal and that this revision of the franchise tax would maim our economy. We are particularly hopeful that Lt. Gov. Dewhurst—a businessman who we believe understands the seriousness of this threat—will not support this cockeyed proposal.” The Sharp Tax Proposal was passed in the House by a vote of 80-69, with only 12 Republicans casting a nay vote. The proposal is now being considered by the state Senate. “While we are greatly disappointed by the overwhelming defection of state House member, we are equally thankful for those stalwart conservatives who actually stood by their principles on this matter,” stated Steven F. Hotze, M.D., co-chair of TNT and founder of several enterprises in Texas. “In particular, Harris County Republicans Bill Keffer, Debbie Riddle, Robert Talton, Gary Elkins, Dwayne Bohac and Joe Crabb deserve recognition for banding together to battle this travesty. They put to shame their fellow members of the Harris County Delegation, who accounted for a six-vote swing that greatly contributed to our loss on this important vote. “Passing this proposal will not lighten the average Texan’s tax burdens one bit because foisting a tax increase on small- and medium-size businesses will increase the cost of doing business, eliminate jobs and drive up the cost of goods,” Hotze said. “Texans need to look long and hard at the facts, costs and impact this scheme represents, and then tell their state senators to protect our economy by voting no on this bill.” TNT will continue its educational campaign, which includes a state-wide petition encouraging Texans and Texas businesses to publicly oppose the Sharp margin tax proposal because of the detrimental effects it will have on the state’s economy. To view the petition as well as Dr. Hotze’s testimony in its entirety, visit www.TEXANSforNOnewTAXES.org .
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