Representative Anchia Challenges House Leadership to Have Honest Discussion About Immigratio

[A Press Release from Rep. Rafael Anchia (D-Dallas), TX-HD-103]

(Austin, TX) Representative Rafael Anchia (D-Dallas) filed Amendment 33 that focuses on the demand for immigrant labor created by Texas businesses.

“The immigration debate has focused only on the supply-side of the issue,” stated Anchia.  “I wanted to change the terms of the debate to focus on the demands of Texas businesses for immigrant labor.”

Amendment 33, attached to HB 3, overwhelmingly passed on a record vote.  The amendment states that, for the purpose of computing the new business tax, Texas businesses cannot deduct wages or cash compensation paid to illegal undocumented workers.

The amendment further states that the Texas Comptroller will effectuate this bill by adopting administrative rules related to tax audit and enforcement.

“There are thousands of illegal businesses in Texas and taxpayers are subsidizing them to hire immigrant labor,” stated Anchia. “The focus should not solely be on the immigrants who risk their lives and contribute to our economy, it is time we make illegal businesses pay their fair share.”

There is no fiscal note affixed to Amendment 33.  The implementation will yield an increase in revenue once the Texas Comptroller defines the enforcement mechanism and increased taxes businesses will pay for hiring undocumented workers.

The House of Representatives is meeting in its 3rd called Special Session of the 79th Legislative Session.

Representative Rafael Anchia is serving his first term in the Texas House and represents District 103 of Dallas County.  Representative Anchia serves on the Local and Consent Calendars, Economic Development and Elections Committees.