Texan tax cuts

Looks like Republicans in Texas have learned alot from President Bush:

Only those Texans who make more than $140,000 a year would see a net tax cut under a school funding plan the Senate is considering, according to a new legislative study.

Everyone else would see a net increase in taxes if the Legislature approves a plan designed to offset school property taxes with a bevy of new taxes on shoppers, smokers, drinkers and businesses.

Meanwhile, the first part of the package to revamp public school funding seemed stalled in the Senate, where it had been expected to get a vote today.

"The whole debate is about tax cuts to the wealthy. That's not good public policy," said Sen. Eliot Shapleigh, D-El Paso.

(snip)

Middle-class Texans — those who make between $40,000 and $52,000 — would see the highest increase in taxes, paying a $151 million increase, or 3.7 percent more, according to the report released Sunday by the Legislative Budget Board.

It's entirely possible this bill will stall in the Senate, but nonetheless Texas Democrats should be out decrying this Republican tax hike on the middle and lower class so that the wealthy can have more.

This plan should be hung around Texas Republican's necks like an albatross come election time.

*UPDATE* What would make this plan even better? How about less funding for some of the school districts? Sounds like a Republican plan to me.