Proposed TJC Tax Hike Debated

TYLER — Heated debate Thursday as TJC held the second of two public hearings on raising the tax rate more than 33 percent. One former student spoke up for it, saying, “I wanted a better opportunity. I got my GED, I came to TJC. I still support the tax increase for maintenance and infrasrtructure needs.” Others, like George Stephenson, weren’t so supportive. “Sometimes we lose sight of the fact that we can just rely on somebody else and take their money,” said Stephenson. “Well, some people call that stealing.” As KETK explains, if the tax increase passes, it will go toward paying back $28 million taken out by the board last year for maintenance tax notes.