78th Legislature Policy Orientation

January 29, 2003

Enjoy the fully archived Orientation. This tone-setting event was held January 29-30 and February 3-4, 2003, in Austin, Texas, and features speeches by the Governor, Lt. Gov., House Speaker, Attorney General, Supreme Court Chief Justice, Agriculture Commissioner, and House and Senate committee chairman, as well as numerous policy experts.

Examining Local Government Spending Trends From 2014 to 2023

City and county spending has outpaced growth in population and inflation, leading to an increase in the tax burden on Texan taxpayers. Key points: Local government spending continues to outstrip increases in both population and inflation. From 2014 to 2023, local government spending rose by 61.2%, whereas population and inflation increased by only 42.7%. Elevated...

March 6, 2026

Other

Texas Capitol Leaders

January 8, 2018 Dear Legislative Staff: If you have at least one session but not more than five years of Texas legislative experience, the Texas Public Policy Foundation invites you to join the second class of Texas Capitol Leaders – a year-long leadership program that promotes the philosophical, policy, and professional development of early-career Texas...

January 1, 2018

Border Security

Red states need to take action before it’s too late

Illinois Rep. Delia Ramirez (D) recently said the quiet part out loud: If Democrats regain power, they intend to “melt ICE” and “dismantle the Department of Homeland Security.” Not reform. Not recalibrate. Dismantle. At this point, no one should be surprised, but everyone should be paying attention. The window for aligned federal action is limited, and states...

April 2, 2026

Related content

Examining Local Government Spending Trends From 2014 to 2023

Texas Capitol Leaders

Red states need to take action before it’s too late