Texans pay higher rates on the purchase of telecommunications services (except satellite) than they do on fireworks and hard liquor. In fact, only cigarettes are taxed at a higher rate. But there is some good news. The elimination of the TIF tax and changes in the USF fee has saved Texas consumers about $350 million a year.
Economy
Austin’s Simple Fix for Soaring Housing Costs
After years of watching home prices skyrocket out of reach for first responders, nurses, and young families, in December 2023, Austin city council voted to rewrite its zoning code. The first phase of its HOME Initiative—known as HOME-1—effectively allowed up to three homes on most lots that previously could host only one. A year later,...
December 9, 2025