Letters: Dreamer students; the Bible settles it; franchise tax; for Baron

Dreamer students

Over the last 13 years the Texas Dream Act has benefited hundreds of students who are now productive members of Texas society.

I wish the number of students here without permission and receiving in-state tuition were double the reported estimate of 20,000, because the students who graduate, and even the ones who do not, will elevate themselves, their families, our cities, our culture and all people of Texas.

We understand that in-state tuition can be very expensive, but to triple or quadruple it would be a massive disservice to all Texans.

According to data from the Center for Public Policy Priorities, in 2010 students here without permission paid $1.6 billion in state and local taxes and, in part, these taxes helped support Texas institutions of higher education.

Currently, tuition from students here without permission adds more than $100 million for these institutions.

So let’s protect the dream.

— Patrick Jenkins, Arlington

Wow!

It’s amazing to see the stretch of thinking by our friends on the left to justify illegal immigration!

Any time that a liberal/Democrat/socialist tells you that it’s about being fair, or that these kids aren’t here on their own, that it’s the illegal parents’ fault, and that sending them home would split the family, keep in mind the real reason behind such tortured logic: Democratic voters

These votes are bought and paid for with everyone’s tax dollars.

— Corky Douthitt, Hurst

The Bible settles it

God says in his Word, the Bible, that marriage unites a man and a woman. For me, that settles it.

I cannot participate or seem to condone homosexual marriage.

To do so would be defying the will of Almighty God, putting my eternal soul in jeopardy.

Thankfully, the U.S. Constitution protects me.

I do not have a God-given right to mistreat anyone.

But involving myself in any way in something my God condemns is a matter of the salvation of my soul.

I cannot do it.

— Ruth Cawyer, Stephenville

Franchise tax

If the Legislature wants to reduce the franchise tax, a more equitable way would be to exempt the first $1 million in revenue for all businesses, instead of having a $1 million threshold for paying the tax. (The actual threshold for paying the tax is now $1,080,000.)

Company A, with revenue of $1,079,000, is exempt from the tax.

Company B, with revenue of $1,081,000, is liable for the tax back to the first dollar of revenue.

The extra $2,000 in revenue between the two examples could subject Company B to a tax bill of $5,000 or more.

An exemption would reduce the tax bill for every company and provide great relief to smaller companies.

— Bill Lynch, Arlington

For Baron

As the principal of Arlington High School, it was my good fortune to hire Peter Baron as a math teacher.

Peter proved to be an outstanding teacher and employee!

I would like to endorse his re-election to the Arlington school board.

During his tenure on the board, Peter has served the school district and the community as an advocate for improving our schools.

During his terms of office, he has served in many capacities, including president of the board.

Peter has exhibited honesty, intelligence and a genuine desire to see our schools improve year to year.

A vote for Peter Baron is a vote for the kids of Arlington.

— James Adams, Arlington

This story was originally published April 17, 2015 at 6:43 PM with the headline "Letters: Dreamer students; the Bible settles it; franchise tax; for Baron."