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Allows Permit Holders to Carry Concealed Weapons Across State Lines
WASHINGTON
U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced an amendment to S. 649 which would guarantee the rights of gun owners to carry concealed weapons across state lines and within other states that also have conceal-carry laws. “Balancing two of this nation’s most fundamental rights, this measure ensures that law-abiding Americans are able to lawfully carry their weapons across state lines while respecting the rights of each individual state to pass laws that are right for them.” The Constitutional Concealed Carry Act of 2013 would treat state-issued conceal-carry permits like drivers’ licenses, allowing law-abiding citizens with conceal-carry privileges to conceal-carry in any other states that also permits it by law. The amendment is supported by the National Rifle Association, Gun Owners of America, and the National Shooting Sports Foundation.
ROBSTOWN, Texas
Texas AgFinance, a rural lending cooperative serving central and south Texas, has declared a record $9.5 million patronage to its customers. This amount was based on the co-op’s solid 2012 financial results and was approved by the Texas AgFinance Board of Directors. Customers will receive a check for their portion of a $3.3 million cash distribution in late April, as well as a statement detailing their portion of a $6.2 million allocation that may be eligible for future cash distribution subject to board approval. Because Texas AgFinance is a cooperative, its stockholders share in its ownership and its earnings. When the lender does well, a portion of its earnings is returned to borrowers in the form of patronage. “Patronage is a cornerstone of the co-op business model, and payments like this one reduce our customers’ cost of borrowing from Texas AgFinance,” said Mark Miller, Texas AgFinance chief executive officer. “We are pleased to share our success with them, and it’s one way we can say thanks to our borrowers.” A part of the nationwide Farm Credit System, Texas AgFinance has financed agricultural operations and rural America since 1933. The co-op is headquartered in Robstown and has offices in Bandera, Brenham, Hebbronville, Pleasanton, Raymondville, San Antonio, Uvalde and Weslaco.
Four-point plan to reduce business taxes by nearly $1.6 billion
AUSTIN
Gov. Rick Perry announced a four-point plan to provide nearly $1.6 billion in tax relief to all Texas businesses currently subject to the state’s franchise tax. The governor was joined by lawmakers, the Texas Association of Business (TAB), National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute for the announcement. “By cutting taxes for Texas businesses, we are helping job creators in our communities and promoting economic growth across the state,” Gov. Perry said. “Businesses that keep more of their money can pass savings on to consumers, hire more workers, offer greater employee benefits or reinvest it into their companies and grow their business – all of which are good for Texans and our growing economy.”
Gov. Perry’s plan would reduce business taxes by:
•Reducing the franchise tax rates by 5%
•Providing a $1 million deduction for businesses with revenue up to $20 million
•Lowering the rate for EZ Form filers
•Giving companies relocating to Texas from out of state a one-time deduction of moving expenses in the first year they pay the franchise tax.
Gov. Perry’s business tax relief plan would also have the effect of making permanent the current small business tax exemption. That exemption currently impacts 29,000 businesses and is set to expire in 2014. “Business is the economic engine of our state and Gov. Perry’s plan will only serve to fuel that engine,” TAB President Bill Hammond said. “Government doesn’t create prosperity, business does. By reducing the tax burden on Texas businesses, businesses will keep hiring more workers, reinvesting in their companies and driving the economic success of our state.” “Gov. Perry's tax relief proposals will go a long way in helping entrepreneurs and smaller businesses grow during this period of economic recovery,” NFIB Texas Executive Director Will Newton said. “These four specific points demonstrate an understanding of the kind of relief small business owners have said they want. We applaud the governor's willingness to prioritize economic development and provide relief to our state's job creators.”