David Dewhurst, weather vane

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, yesterday:

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst said Thursday that the Senate would prefer a different structure for a business tax from the one proposed a day earlier by Gov. Rick Perry.

Dewhurst said senators would rate a tax based on business income as their first choice, an expansion of the sales tax to services as their second choice and a tax based on a company's gross receipts, such as the one backed by Perry and a special commission, as their third choice.

"In a perfect world, I think I'd rather see a tax that's based upon income. Earn money, pay something. You don't earn money, don't pay anything," Dewhurst said.

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, today:

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst on Friday retreated from his statement a day earlier that he favored basing a business tax on a company's income, rather than its gross receipts.

"I have always opposed a business or personal income tax, and during last year's session recommended reforming the state franchise tax by dramatically lowering the rate, closing business loopholes and creating a level playing field," Dewhurst said in a written statement.

Anyone still wonder why everyone looks to see what House Speaker Tom Craddick wants for an indication of what the Lege will do on a given issue? The only question I have here is whether someone yanked Dewhurst's leash or if he flipped on his own. Way to be bold, dude.

Posted by Charles Kuffner on April 01, 2006 to Budget ballyhoo | TrackBack