Texas Considering Dish Tax

[Chris Blount]

StopSatelliteTax.com (http://www.stopsatellitetax.com) reported that the Texas State Legislature has been considering a 3.95 percent tax on satellite TV subscribers in the Lone Star State.

The legislative effort joins a long list of other states focusing on taxes for satellite TV services. State lawmakers are still working in Austin, and it's unclear what the status is for the proposed dish tax.

The anti-tax Web site said if lawmakers are successful in passing a satellite TV tax, more than 2 million Texas households will face the levy. "Subscribers in rural parts of Texas will be hit hardest by this tax because in rural areas often the only way for families to receive television service is by satellite," StopSatelliteTax.com said.

The Web site also said "industry competitors" are behind the satellite TV tax effort.

Meanwhile, Texas lawmakers moved on one key legislative item during the weekend.

Despite aggressive lobbying efforts by cable interests, the Texas House gave tentative approval to a bill that would make it easier for phone companies to get into the TV business. The legislation will allow SBC Communications and Verizon to get a single statewide franchise for their planned fiber-based services, instead of having to obtain agreements at the local level.

http://www.skyreport.com (Used with permission)

[pjm877]

I just love the cable co's spin on this... you live 5 miles outside of the town of anywhere tx, will the anywhere cable co run a line out to your house? NO... bet the Phone Co won't run fiber either... you are left with OTA or Sat... but it might get the rates lower in DFW, Houston, Austin, and the other BIG city markets... I think I will stay with Sat for now..

I think the "State Sales Tax" is fair... and the Cable and Sat should have to pay that... mind you this is the "State" rate and not the state + City tax rate... put everybody on a level playing field..

But, you can be sure of one thing, and one thing only... the lawmakers will not do what is in the "Peoples" best interest.. the little guy does not stand a chance.

[Mike D-CO5]

Well they have one week to enact any tax. The legislature ends on May 31st and doesn't meet again for another 2 years. Got to love it if you are a senator in Texas. Work for 5 months every two years. And by the way they just voted themselves a large penison increase . While state workers such as myself ,haven't received a raise in 4 years. :mad:

If they don't get it passed by the 31st then there will be no tax for the next two years , barring any special sessions called by the governor. I don't think they will call one just for a satellite tax.;)

[Chris Blount]

Well they have one week to enact any tax. The legislature ends on May 31st and doesn't meet again for another 2 years. Got to love it if you are a senator in Texas. Work for 5 months every two years. And by the way they just voted themselves a large penison increase . While state workers such as myself ,haven't received a raise in 4 years. :mad:

If they don't get it passed by the 31st then there will be no tax for the next two years , barring any special sessions called by the governor. I don't think they will call one just for a satellite tax.;)Mike,

I heard last week that state workers are getting a raise in September. Might want to check on that.

[BFG]

Sorry for the obligatory line but have to do it.

"Don't mess with Texas"

:D

even though it's the Texas DOT slogan for combating litering, it's still funny ;)

[Laverne]

"Don't mess with Texas"

:D :rolleyes: :nono2: You do not say that with a BIG GRIN! :bad_nono:
You say it with that kinda pissed-off tone that Dubya gets sometimes. Geez! Get it right! :rolleyes:



As for the tax, I'm sure just about everyone here feels the same about a sat tax. :sure:

[Mike D-CO5]

Mike,

I heard last week that state workers are getting a raise in September. Might want to check on that.

The one thing I know that we are getting for sure iregardless of a raise, is another increase in the cost of our insurance. In 1998 I paid $66.00 a month for my son's insurance , and it was an hmo where you paid $ 20.00 and they paid the rest . Today I pay $142.00 a month for less insurance:Blue Cross /Blue Shield , and we pay 20% of the total bill and they pay they are supposed to pay 80%. I am sure the insurance increase will include higher copays and deductables again! :rolleyes:

I will believe a raise when I see it. Texas always gives with one hand and takes a way with the other. Which will result in a higher tax bracket and less money in our paychecks. Our Warden at the prison where I work , says we will most likely lose money this year with a raise. :eek2:

Got to love Texas!:mad: