SAN ANTONIO -- A state lawmaker says most Texans would save money if the state implemented an income tax on those making more than $150,000.
Representative Lon Burnam from Ft. Worth has filed a bill that would tax income that exceeds $150,000 3 percent up to 6 percent for those making more than a million.
“It would lower taxes for most, and that’s the important message that a lot of people have a hard time grasping,” said Brunam. “I’m talking about lowering taxes for 80 percent of the population.”
Brunam said if an income tax was implemented, property and sales taxes could be reduced which he said would save most middle class Texans. The Ft. Worth lawmaker said an income tax would also help reduce the projected $27-billion state deficit.
“Our current tax structure in Texas is unfair,” he said.
However, Brunam admits convincing his legislative peers and the majority of Texans that an income tax is a good idea will be difficult.
Robby Grubbs, the owner of Local Coffee in the Stone Oak area, said since he works primarily with Texas small business owners, a state income tax could impact every aspect of his business.
“It’s going to have a huge impact,” he said. “Obviously, you are going to see the ripple effect go across the board.”
Like many small business owners, Grubbs said he worries a state income tax now would hurt the economy.
