AUSTIN (AP) - Texans who make mocking donations to Gov. Rick Perry's campaign no longer have to worry about how their canceled checks will be labeled. Perry's campaign said Friday it will likely stop using the code "ASS 06"—short for "A Small Supporter"—on the canceled checks of small- change contributors who donated mere pennies in protest of the governor's support for a new business tax. Political campaigns often code contribution checks to track what inspired the donation. Perry spokesman Robert Black said the checks were coded "ASS 06" because the donations weren't tied to a specific event.
"In hindsight, it probably wasn't the best choice for an abbreviation," Black said. "They'll probably be changed to something like 'SML' for 'Small' going forward."
A school funding reform bill passed in May includes a new business tax on gross receipts with deductions for either the cost of goods bought for resale or for payroll expenses, including employee benefits.
Perry says the business tax isn't a net tax increase because it will help pay for $15.7 billion worth of cuts in school property taxes over the next three years.
Upset with the plan, Lisa Stapp of Spring sent Perry a 3-cent campaign check.
"I am willing to believe that there is a code that says 'a small supporter.' I also believe that it is a disparaging remark," Stapp said. "But if I have the right to protest, he has the right to call me 'a small supporter.'"
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Information from: San Antonio Express-News, http://www.mysanantonio.com
