Levin: As conservatives who believe in holding an overbearing government accountable when it intrudes on our liberties, we must apply that same lens of scrutiny to this practice that involves the most restrictive form of government coercion.
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