| Dear Grover Norquist, Later today, you will be appearing with Texas Governor Rick Perry and other leading conservative advocates to champion the "Texas Miracle." You will make arguments that they don't raise taxes in Texas, and Governor Perry will talk about a no new taxes pledge, and conservatives in Texas and across the country will rejoice at your frguality. I'd imagine that few, if any, in the media will even challenge your appearances, instead carrying your refrain of "no new taxes" to the masses without comment or correction. You, of course, will be lying today if you say Texas does not raise taxes. So will Governor Rick Perry, and any other conservatives who try to piggyback on your message. You will be lying because Governor Rick Perry raised taxes for 213,000 employers this year. From the Fort Worth Star-Telegram: "Texas is raising taxes for employers":
The Texas Workforce Commission is issuing up to $3 billion in bonds and raising 2011 taxes for employers to replenish the state's ailing unemployment trust fund.
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About 213,000 employers will pay more in unemployment taxes, but commission officials say the increase is small. For those employers paying the standard minimum tax, the cost will go up to about $70.20 per employee, from $64.80 last year. That's about an 8 percent increase.
Additionally, I'd have to remind you that PolitiFact Texas has rated the claim that Perry has a track record of not raising taxes as FALSE:
Legislation, reports, news articles and expert analysis show that Perry has signed about half a dozen tax increases into law, including the three 2006 changes intended to help cover cuts in school property taxes.
Texans paying more thanks to Perry's signature on tax-increase measures include companies with higher business taxes, plus cigarette smokers and purchasers of smokeless tobacco, fireworks and diesel equipment.
I'll be watching what you say today, Mr. Norquist, and I'll be watching how the media reports what you and Governor Perry say. I'm hoping that somebody -- either you or the media -- will be brave enough to tell the truth.
Sincerely,
Phillip Martin
Previously on BOR
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