The Nation - News from July 23, 1987

One day after Texas lawmakers passed a $38.3-billion budget that includes the largest tax increase in any state’s history, the state comptroller certified that the revenue hike will keep the 1988-89 budget in the black. Gov. Bill Clements signed the tax package after legislators passed it just before their special session expired. The $5.7-billion package mandates raising the sales tax to 6 cents from 5 cents and a $110 annual occupational tax for many professionals, including doctors and lawyers. The Texas Constitution requires the state to have a balanced budget by Sept. 1.