Carter Joint-Authors Constitutional Ammendment to Restrict State’s Ability to Raise Taxes

February 3, 2011

(AUSTIN, TX)  – State Representative Stefani Carter (R-Dallas) has united with other members of the Texas House of Representatives to joint author a constitutional amendment that seeks to prevent future legislative attempts to create or increase state taxes.

House Joint Resolution 37 would require future lawmakers to obtain a two-thirds majority in both the House and the Senate if they want to create a new state tax or raise the rate of an existing state tax.

“It is imperative that we put measures in place to limit the government’s ability to further tax hard-working Texans,” Carter said.  ”We know full well that less taxation translates into greater economic growth.”

If approved by two-thirds of the House and the Senate, the legislation would be placed on a ballot for voter consideration.  Voter approval would effectively amend the Texas Constitution.

The bill specifically excludes fines or fees in its definition of a state tax and does not apply to taxes imposed by entities such as counties, cities, towns, and special districts.

For more information, contact:

Taurie Randermann
Chief of Staff
Representative Stefani Carter
House District 102
Ph: 979.277.4853