The legislature has a lot of things it plans to pay for this session.
School finance, children's health insurance and property tax cuts are priorities for many lawmakers.
But, the money for those things won't come easy.
Some lawmakers said a tax on some common vices could provide a solution.
Just around the corner from the state seat of government, the Texas Chili Parlor is a popular spot for lawmakers.
"It's known as one of the hotspots for lobbyists and legislators to work things out," Manager Jason Peck said.
Peck likes their business, but he's not sure about some of their proposals. In a tight budget year lawmakers are looking for new ways to fund schools, health care, and property tax cuts.
"Sales taxes, business taxes, franchise taxes, you name it, it's on the table. Sin Taxes are also on the table," Rep. Mike Villarreal said.
House Bill 3 suggests a dollar a pack levy on cigarettes.
 |  |
 | |  |
| | | | | | | |
Sin Taxes
Local legislators proposed the idea of a sin tax
 
| | |
| | | | | |
|
No formal bills on a liquor tax have been filed, but Peck worries about the possibility.
"I think there are other, better ways to raise money for our schools," Peck said.
Houston Rep. Sylvester Turner introduced a bill Thursday that would add video gambling machines to race tracks and dog-racing tracks across the state.
Under his plan, the state would run the machines and pass on the money to schools for public education.
"If you had asked me two years ago if I would support video lottery I would have said no. But the reality is the needs of the state are great," Turner said. "The money has to come from some where."
Peck said his restaurant already pays about $ 70 thousand a year in alcohol taxes. He hopes lawmakers leave an additional liquor tax off the table.
"I just think there are other means. Maybe a state income tax, although I don't know if that would go over very well in Texas," Peck said.
"Which one of us on this floor will vote for an income tax? It's just not coming in the state of Texas," Turner said.
Lawmakers who support the idea of some form of sin tax said the money has to come from somewhere.
