Austin and Affordable Housing

Here is an article that basically lays out a case that Austin housing affordability is not a problem for most people, is a natural consequence of capitalism, and is a desirable thing for the city's tax base.

You may or may not agree but the article is presented here.

Tax Incentives for Large Corporations in Texas

Here's an article that details the tax incentives/corporate giveaways (depends on your perspective) to such companies as Amazon, Apple, and Samsung in Texas.

Texas has produced a lot of jobs, but they are not high quality, high paying jobs (which can disappear at a moments' notice). State infrastructure is also not growing along with population growth, implying that tax revenues are inadequate.

So the question for you is: is this is worthwhile tradeoff?

Taxes By State

This official gummit link breaks down the collection of taxes by category for each state.

Didja know that Texas took in about $92.4 million from hunting and fishing licenses last year?

Find out how the amount of taxes collected on gasoline, estates, cigarettes, scuba suits and chocolate petit fours. Yes, it's detailed by state, so it's pretty interesting.

Oh, do I have fun with the allusions in these images.