If you read it carefully, you will see that 14.5% is what the sales tax rate would need to be in order to be revenue neutral IF THE CURRENT SALES TAX BASE is used.

It then goes on to recommend changing the sales tax base with possible alternatives:

"…broadening the sales tax to include property allows the total sales tax rate to be lower (due to the broader sales tax base) while still removing many of the adverse impacts from the property tax. Alternative tax rates and tax bases that include property sales in the sales tax base are:

• 12.5 percent if the current sales tax base is used;
• 9.0 percent if all services that are taxed in at least one state are taxed in Texas; and
• 6.5 percent if the sales tax base is the total value of goods and services in Texas’ economy, with adjustments to remove non-taxable items (such as government
purchases)."

The entire plan is pretty interesting & is worth reading. I agree with you that reducing spending and reducing the tax load are important general issues. I also think she is addressing this. Keep in mind that currently property taxes pay for the public schools in your district/county. Something specific would have to replace this revenue stream if property taxes were eliminated- this seems like the best idea so far that preserves the principles of individual liberty & property ownership.

Also, I'm a Texan and will vote for Medina.

I tell you what though, if Texas does secede from the USA, then I will be the first to move there. I sh|t you not. I will pick up and leave that day.

-Mike

First time I heard Debra speak on property tax she mentioned broadening the tax base. Her figures indicated the STATE tax rate would actually be lowered. That is what most politicians do, keep the rate low but broaden the base.

Medina had mentioned a one time state sales tax on the sale of real estate. Yes that broadens the base. At the same time you pay a one time tax. We are not going to eliminate taxes and I don't like the idea of broadening the base. In the case of property taxes I like the idea of a one time sales tax on the purchase. If this completely rids me of further obligation in the form of tax on my real estate then I for one will rest easier as I grow older knowing what I have acquired and paid for through my own efforts cannot be taken from me because I might face uncertain economic difficulties and be unable to pay a tax on real estate that is otherwise free and clear of all debt.

I may end up a pauper but perhaps the elimination of property taxes as we know them will help assure I am able to live the remainder of my life in a home that again I acquired by my own efforts and worked to pay for during the healthiest part of my life in order to rid it of all financial obligations other than those out of my control , a detriment to freedom IMO, property taxes.

The Texas state sales and use tax rate is 6.25%, but local taxing jurisdictions (cities, counties, special purpose districts, and transit authorities) may also impose sales and use tax up to 2% for a total maximum combined rate of 8.25%. Medina's proposal would lower the STATE portion to below 6% as I understood the first time I heard her speak.

But – I have to question Medina on her desire to remove the property tax. So, she wants to replace it with with an increased sales tax (which is already at 8.25%). According to her website, the sales tax would need to be 14.5%. Now, that's just crazy talk.

As a Texan and a land / home owner, I don't really see the issue here. In my view, the property tax is basically just a consumption tax. If you don't want to pay as much tax, purchase a smaller house. (The agricultural exemptions are pretty easy to get if you are a farmer / rancher, so not a big issue there…)

what she should be talking about is 1) reduce spending, and 2) reduce the tax load.

Oh well, she is still a better option than Perry and Hutchison.