Online purchases increased sharply in June which contributed to a large increase in sales tax revenues remitted by the comptroller in July.
Due to the pandemic-driven closures and decline in commerce, the State of Texas has brought in about $4 million less in tax revenue as projected through this point in the biennium.
Business closures and stay-home orders have caused Texas' consumption tax revenues to drop significantly. This May, compared to last, brought in $345 million fewer in sales tax revenues.
Property tax reform legislation, referred to by state officials as the premier accomplishment of the legislative session, is now law.
The sales tax constitutional amendment recently proposed by Abbott, Bonnen, and Patrick is no longer considered a viable option in the ongoing property tax/school finance saga.
Polling shows a lack of support among Texas voters for a proposed sales tax swap to "offset" the rate of property tax growth.
The "Big Three" said they are close to delivering on a property tax reform promise, but it must come with a sales tax increase.
Bettencourt's opposition to increasing the sales tax has put him at policy odds with the Lt. Governor and other top officials.
