Texas lawmakers mull widening scope of tobacco tax
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas lawmakers are hearing testimony about the possibility of levying taxes on tobacco firms that weren't part of the state's multibillion dollar 1998 settlement with major cigarette companies.
Big tobacco manufacturers say they are getting undersold by smaller firms that can charge less for their cigarettes because they aren't subject to taxes included in Texas' settlement.
But those companies not in the settlement counter that the larger firms are simply worried about losing market share statewide and want legislation to hurt their competitors.
Two bills proposed during the 2011 legislative session would have expanded taxes to tobacco companies not part of the settlement. But they weren't approved.
Members of the House Ways and Means Committee discussed Tuesday whether similar legislation should be proposed after the Legislature reconvenes in January.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
Perry: US immigration plan doesn't alter state law
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas Gov. Rick Perry has written to state agencies calling a new Obama administration immigration policy "a slap in the face to the rule of law."
In a letter sent Monday, Perry said the White House's "Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals" program doesn't change Texas policies.
Last week, young illegal immigrants around the state and nation formed long lines to begin applying for work permits under the policy.
It defers deportations for that group if they meet certain criteria, including arrival in the United States before they turned 16 and no convictions for certain crimes.
Perry wrote that the policy confers "absolutely no legal status whatsoever to any alien."
He said it "does not undermine or change our state laws" and that he expects all agencies to keep enforcing them.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
News Category Menu
- Popular
- Latest
- Comments
- Tags
-
Tomball grabs first state championship
Written by Caleb HarrisWritten on Tuesday 18 June 2013 -
Waller celebrates Class of 2013
Written by Caleb HarrisWritten on Tuesday 18 June 2013 -
Nearly 700 graduate from Tomball High School
Written by Caleb HarrisWritten on Tuesday 18 June 2013 -
Magnolia council approves July 4th plans
Written by Cheryl GarciaWritten on Tuesday 18 June 2013 -
Obituaries for the Week of June 17
Written by Caleb HarrisWritten on Tuesday 18 June 2013
-
World reknown artist Larry Dyke coming to Tomball
Written on Monday 10 September 2012
- Magnolia Chamber goes back-to-school with new programs Written on Monday 8 October 2012
-
AAR Pet of the Week for Aug. 6
Written on Monday 6 August 2012
- Magnolia Police Department weekly report Written on Monday 10 September 2012
- LETTER: Thanks for a great Tomball Night Written on Monday 13 August 2012
-
I saw both Luca and…
Written by Mike Hoff
2012-08-07 18:28:45
AAR Pet of the Week for Aug. 6
(Community Briefs)
-
I don't get it. In…
Written by Mike Hoff
2012-08-07 18:20:30
Magnolia council looks at changing tax rate
(Top News)
-
that is awesome, You go…
Written by Lynn Wood
2012-08-06 21:17:18
Magnolia girl wins big at Pinto World Show
(Community Briefs)
-
We used to own property…
Written by Tiffany
2012-08-03 19:21:14
Waller County neighborhood battling developer
(Top News)
-
Its about time we see…
Written by Rob Carter
2012-08-02 22:33:59
Lacrosse is a booming sport in Magnolia
(Sports)
