The Spending section of the 2017–2018 Legislator's Guide. This section explains the Conservative Texas Budget, Tax and Expenditure Limit, Sales Tax Reduction Fund, Transparency and Budgeting, Understanding Federal Funds, Transportation, Economic Stabilization Fund, Public Pension Reform, and State Debt.
Taxes & Spending
Austin’s rising utility fees are taxes by another name
Rising utility bills are one of many factors exacerbating Austin’s well-documented affordability crisis. When Austin utility bills went up last winter, many residents probably didn’t even notice — mostly because the increase in fees was hidden by reductions in other costs. But here’s the truth: The city of Austin is squeezing its customers more than they know....
April 2, 2026