Yesterday, the Texas House of Representatives voted on HB 3536, a bill that would impose a new tax of 2.75 cents per cigarette or per nine-hundredth (0.09) an ounce of tobacco product sold by companies that did not sign the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement. As the bill was written, HB 3536 constitutes a tax increase and a clear violation of the Taxpayer Protection Pledge. This tax increase was approved by the Texas House yesterday by a vote 85-53.
As Empower Texans has already noted, in voting for HB 3536 yesterday, 17 members of the Texas House violated the pledge they made to their constituents to oppose any and all efforts to raise taxes. Those representatives who broke their important commitment to their constituents are as follows:
Rep. Bill Callegari
Rep. Myra Crownover
Rep. Sarah Davis
Rep. Larry Gonzales
Rep. Patricia Harless
Rep. Harvey Hilderbran
Rep. Dan Huberty
Rep. Kyle Kacal
Rep. Jim Keffer
Rep. Lyle Larson
Rep. George Lavender
Rep. Geanie Morrison
Rep. Four Price
Rep. Debbie Riddle
Rep. Ralph Sheffield
Rep. Phil Stephenson
Rep. John Zerwas
Had these legislators remained true to their pledge, HB 3536 would not have passed. Americans for Tax Reform applauds the 32 legislators that stood firm to their word and voted against this tobacco tax increase. ATR will be educating Texas taxpayers on how their representatives in Austin vote on this important matter.