Texans pay higher rates on the purchase of telecommunications services (except satellite) than they do on fireworks and hard liquor. In fact, only cigarettes are taxed at a higher rate. But there is some good news. The elimination of the TIF tax and changes in the USF fee has saved Texas consumers about $350 million a year.
Without True Local Control, Pension Problems Spiral
The 45th Legislature established the Texas Local Fire Fighters Retirement Act (TLFFRA) in 1937 to create local retirement systems for the benefit of full-time, part-time, and volunteer firefighters in participating cities. At the time, lawmakers intended to create a general governance structure while still “leav[ing] administration, plan design, contributions, and specific investments to each system’s...