The Texas Legislature faces a difficult quandary. In order to responsibly balance the state’s budget, every option must be on the table-but not everything is. One of the state’s largest budget items, Article II: Health and Human Services, is virtually off-limits to lawmakers interested in trying to realize cost-savings and efficiencies.
Property Rights
Housing Is Too Expensive. Blame Your Local Tree Ordinance.
Matthew Bernard wanted to build a home. He bought a small lot in Oakland, California, and began clearing several diseased and fallen trees that the local fire department had identified as hazards. The result was a $915,000 “mitigation fee” from the city of Oakland—nearly five times the value of the lot itself. Under Oakland’s tree ordinance,...
August 27, 2026