Here are the instructions for discussion forum #5:

• This forum has 2 parts, you must answer all parts to receive credit.
  •Explain each of your answers in small paragraphs (5-7 complete college-educated sentences each); with good content, grammar and spelling.
  •Use good spacing in between paragraphs. Use good order and use numbers.
  •Write your first and last name only in the subject line.

Part I

1. Do you favor a small state government that provides relatively modest services to its people but holds down taxes or a larger state government that provides more services but costs more to taxpayers?
2. Texas is one of seven states without a state income tax. Should Texas establish a state income tax? Explain 3 advantages and 3 disadvantages and your stand on this issue.
3. Do you support the use of red light cameras to detect and deter speeders? Explain 3 advantages and 3 disadvantages and your stand on this issue.
4. Should a property owner be allowed to pipe large quantities of water from under his or her property in an arid part of the state and be allowed to resale it? Why or why not?
5. One way to help address the state’s transportation needs and provide funding without raising taxes is building toll roads. Should the state convert formerly free roads into toll roads to raise funds? Why or why not?
6. Should Texas re-adopt the so called ‘Robin Hood Plan’ where a significant part of the funding for low-income public school districts comes from redistributing money from wealthy public school districts? Why or why not?
7. Should localities be allowed to impose eminent domain on private property in order to promote economic development? Why or why not?
8. Many cities around the state are struggling to manage their water supplies and are trying to find ways to preserve water. One approach some cities, like El Paso, are implementing is to remove grass from public spaces and replace it with gravel and cement. They are also providing people with incentives to remove their grass yards and replace it with desert landscapes. What do you think about this approach? Do you think this should be a statewide law? Or should it be optional and up to each individual city to enact? Why?
9. Should the government increase taxes on tobacco products and alcohol to discourage smoking and drinking? Why or why not?
10. In 2008, the District of Columbia adopted a “Cash-For-Grades” program where middle-schoolers in low income districts can earn up to $100 a month if they behave themselves in school, wear their school uniforms, go to class, complete their homework and get good grades. Would you support adopting something similar in Texas? Why or why not?