School finance is one of the most complex issues in state government. Because of that complexity, much confusion exists regarding the effect on both state and local school district budgets from various forms of educational choice. This paper is intended to help illuminate this issue and explain the ‘how and why’ of fiscal effects on the state and local public schools.
Local Government
Growing Pains: The Cost and Contribution of Impact Fees in Texas
Texas’s rapidly growing population requires new infrastructure and improvements, which oftentimes come at great expense. To fund these projects, local officials often impose impact fees on new development—but their use comes at a cost. Key points: Texas is the fastest-growing state in the nation. As such, it has robust infrastructure requirements. To help finance capital...
August 12, 2026