Looks like our Lite Guv is a tad bit touchy about criticism of the Senate tax plan, at least from certain quarters.
"There are a lot of lobbyists running around the Capitol today that are interested in protecting special interests and loopholes in the [tax] law," Mr. Dewhurst said. Noting that five of six businesses don't pay the state's current franchise tax, he added, "That is called a loophole."[...]
Lobbyists insisted, before the Senate Finance Committee, that that would increase businesses' overall tax burden. The contention prompted the normally calm Mr. Dewhurst, along with Finance Committee Chairman Steve Ogden, to lash out.
To make his point, Mr. Dewhurst cited a prominent Houston law firm that blasted the Senate tax plan Tuesday. The firm, he said, makes more than $200 million a year – or $650,000 per partner. Under the Senate plan, each would be required to pay $6,000 to $8,000 a year.
"What good Texan is going to have heartburn over them paying $6,000 to $8,000 a year on income of $650,000 to improve the education of our youngsters?" he asked.
Too bad the Lt. Gov. didn't ask the law firm how much they had collected in fees over the past 10 years selling tax advice on setting up those loopholes.
My bet is that law firm has made 20 times more in fees helping clients getting around the franchise tax then they would pay should the loopholes be closed.