HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-2006-13 Texas tax reform
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REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
Agenda Date Requested: Mav 8. 2006
Appropriation
Requested By: Debra Feazelle
Source of Funds:
Department: City Mana2er
Account Number:
Report:
Resolution: X Ordinance:
Amount Budgeted:
Exhibits:
Resolution
Amount Requested:
Exhibits:
Budgeted Item:
N/A
Exhibits
SUMMARY & RECOMMENDATION
Texas State Legislature is considering various taxing plans on tax structure reform. The Alliance
Industry TaskForce has approached the Alliance Legislative Task Force encouraging them and
member cities to adopt a resolution requesting legislature develop a tax system with will not
adversely affect industry or municipal revenues. Council was briefed previously on the Texas
Tax Reform and this resolution. City staff confirmed with TML this resolution will not conflict
with their position on this issue.
Staff recommends the adoption of this resolution on Texas Tax Reform.
Action Required bv Council:
Consider approval of a resolution on Texas Tax Reform.
Approved for City Council A2enda
r
S --- rJ -U &
Date
EconO~lIiance
Houston Port Rcgiot'l
Economies in Motion
Resolution on Texas Tax Reform - April 24, 2006 R4. Zoo(, -- 13
The Economic Alliance Houston Port Region is a non-profit organization with a membership composed of
industry and community leaders. Two of its task force work groups have reviewed the current Texas Tax
Reform question currently before the special session in Austin:
Alliance Legislative Task Force (one county membership), and the
Alliance Industry Task Forces that was created to study problems facing both the community and
the chemical industry in Brazoria, Chambers, Galveston, and Harris counties.
Both have recommended this resolution be submitted to you based upon surveys and other avenues of
research and feedback, in addition to the following:
The Alliance Industry Task Force, with expertise from economist Dr. Ray Perryman and the
Texas Refining Chemicals Industry Initiative Cluster Study in which plant mangers across the
state were surveyed to find out what issues most impact their business. The number one concern
brought forth by all plant managers was the current taxing philosophy.
The role of the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region was to facilitate a clear consensus of the
diverse stakeholders and teams.
As the Texas State Legislature and Governor Perry consider various taxing plans and strategies
while moving forward on tax structure reform; we respectfully request, on behalf of our
stakeholders, that the governor and legislature develop a tax system that will:
. Recognize the importance of a strong public education system which is key to the chemical
industry, a healthy Texas economy and the creation of meaningful jobs
. Be in strict accord with the Constitution of Texas
. Be fair, diverse, stable, and dependable
. Correct the current methodology of financing public education that is narrow and lopsided by
assuring all segments of the economy are contributing equally
. Not encumber the Texas citizenry with increased sales tax
. Not reduce municipal/county revenue streams
. Promote the long-term stability of current Texas businesses
. Be conducive to expanding the Texas economy
Education is the foundation of the strength of Texas communities and the workforce of the chemical
industry. The Economic Alliance and its task forces appeal to Governor Perry and the Texas Legislature to
consider our points when developing a taxing system that stands up to scrutiny and benefits all Texans.
David M. Johnson
Project Manager
Alliance Industry Task Force Co-Leader
DMJ Services, LLC
Steve Pocsik
Total Petrochemicals USA, lnc
Alliance Industry Task Force
Co-Leader
Barry Beasley
AT&T
Alliance Legislative Task Force
Co-Leader
Carol Harmon
Alliance Legislative Task Force
Co- Leader
Debra Feazelle
City of La Porte
Alliance Industry Task Force
Tax Solution Team Co-Leader
Steve Hazelwood
The Dow Chemical Company
Alliance Industry Task Force
Tax Solution Team Co-Leader
Jan Lawler - President/CEO
Economic Alliance Houston Port Region
Task Force Sponsor of Task Forces