This testimony covers remarks today from James Quintero, that focus on three policy areas—property taxes, financial transparency, and local debt. He also offers some suggestions as to how each area might be improved via special purpose district reform.
Local Government
Texas Local Government Debt Soars to $552 Billion
New data shows a dramatic increase in local government debt last year, which drove property taxes higher and worsened the cost-of-living crisis. According to the Bond Review Board’s latest estimates, the total amount owed by cities, counties, school districts, and special districts rose to nearly $552 billion in fiscal year (FY) 2025. Shockingly, that massive sum is more than $52 billion higher than the prior year’s amount. Once again, independent school districts (ISDs) were the most heavily indebted type of political subdivision,...
January 28, 2026