Does Texas Have ‘Lower Taxes And Less Regulations Than Anywhere Else In The US’?

Our weekly check-in with the Texas Truth-O-Meter.

By Brandon Mulder, PolitiFact Texas/Austin American-Statesman; radio story produced by Alexandra HartOctober 28, 2020 11:34 am,

From PolitiFact Texas:

No, Texas does not have the lowest taxes and fewest regulations in the United States

For years, Texas Republicans have boasted about policies that they say have drawn out-of-state businesses to relocate to Texas and have led existing businesses to flourish. Former Gov. Rick Perry and others pointed to low taxes, light regulations and a pro-business attitude in describing the “Texas Miracle” — a catchphrase that emerged in the Perry era to explain the state’s booming economy.

While Perry has faded from mainstream politics after two failed presidential bids, the principles set forth under the Texas Miracle banner have not. U.S. Rep. Roger Williams, R-Austin, continued that line of reasoning in a tweet last Sunday that praised the state’s economic fortunes.

“Texas is the embodiment of freedom with lower taxes and less regulations than anywhere else in the U.S. — and because of these principles, we’re home to millions of skilled craftsmen and innovators that strengthen our economy every day,” Williams wrote.

It’s true that state Republicans continue to pride themselves on keeping taxes low and regulations light. But claiming that Texas has fewer regulations and lower taxes than any other state stands on shaky ground.

PolitiFact rated this claim False.

Read the whole story at PolitiFact, and listen to an interview with PolitiFact Texas’ Brandon Mulder in the audio player above.

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