League of Women Voters election survey: Rep. Rafael Anchia, candidate for re-election to the Texas House Rep. - District 103

by Staff of League of Women Voters

The League of Women Voters of Dallas sent a questionnaire to every candidate running for public office in Dallas County. The election on November 4th features a number of local races to decide state and national Senate and House of Representatives seats.

The responses of Rep. Rafael Anchia (D), who is seeking re-election to the Texas House of Representatives - District 103 seat, appear below. Anchia is running against David R. Mason (L).

LWV: Please describe the training and experience that qualify you for this office.

Anchia: I was elected twice to the DISD Board of Trustees. In 2004 I was elected to the Texas House of Representatives and was recognized by Texas Monthly magazine as "Rookie of the Year" for the 79th Session and one of "Ten Best Legislators" for the 80th Session.

LWV: The Texas Legislature in 2007 overhauled business taxes to provide property tax relief for homeowners, but many small business owners in Texas now claim that their property tax decrease was far less than their business tax increase. What measures should be taken to maintain adequate state tax revenues without unduly burdening individual taxpayers or small business?

Anchia: A state income tax is the only way to provide a reliable, consistent revenue stream for our public schools. A 3% flat state income tax would put an end to "Robin Hood," and give tax relief to older citizens who are on fixed incomes, as well as most families with incomes up to $150,000. Texas voters should be allowed to vote on whether they wish to raise revenue in this fashion.

LWV: Texas deregulated electricity rates with the promise that competition between suppliers would lower consumers’ electric rates, yet rates in Texas remain well above the national average. What measures should be taken to ensure electric power reliability and affordability in Texas?

Anchia: Improving energy efficiency is one of the most dependable, cost-effective ways to address the challenges of high energy prices and electric power reliability. The Texas Legislature needs to provide more incentives to utility companies to offer cost-effective energy efficiency programs and incentivize companies to invest in renewable energy resources. We should enact more stringent building energy codes, mandate an energy-efficient state and municipal buildings program, and require stricter standards for state-level appliances and equipment.

LWV: According to the most recent published data of the Texas Office of Public Insurance Counsel, insurance industry losses in Texas have decreased by 85%, yet homeowners’ rates have fallen by only 4%. What reforms would you support to lower homeowners’ rates in Texas?

Anchia: Texas has the highest homeowners' insurance premiums in the United States. Therefore, I support a return to a law that was in effect prior to the reform law that was passed in 2003, which would require state approval of all insurance rate increases.

LWV: The Texas legislature has not increased the gas tax since 1991, and also diverts millions of dollars of transportation funds to other areas of the state budget such as education and the Department of Public Safety. The public has voiced much disapproval of toll roads and public/private partnerships to build new roads. How would you fund construction of new roads and maintenance of existing roads and bridges?

Anchia: I support increasing the gas tax, and using part of that revenue to fund mass transit and alternative energy proposals. Our focus must be on mass transit and alternative energy if we are to meet the challenges of transporting a population of 50 million people by the year 2050.

LWV: If diversions from the State’s transportation fund are stopped, how would you pay for those items that are currently funded by gas tax monies?

Anchia: By instituting a state income tax, it would no longer be necessary to use the gas tax monies for education, thereby freeing up the 24 cents per $1.00 in gas tax collected by the Texas State Comptroller.

LWV: Currently, sales prices of most residential property are disclosed while those of commercial property are not. Do you support public disclosure of commercial real estate sales prices so as to ensure fair and accurate appraisals?

Anchia: I support asking the County Commissioners to call an election to permit the voters of the county to determine whether they support sales price disclosure of commercial real estate.