The Texas Model Works

August 18, 2011

The Texas model, i.e., low taxes and spending, a predictable, low level of regulation, and a sound civil justice system-with minimal federal interference, works. You can read more about its success in our section on the Texas Model.

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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

Local Government

When Government Lobbies Itself: Why Texas Should Ban Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying

Texas local governments use taxpayer dollars to hire lobbyists to influence state legislation—creating conflicts of interest, distorting democratic accountability, and undermining the interests of Texas taxpayers. Key points: Taxpayer-funded lobbying expenditures more than doubled from the 85th to the 89th Legislature, now reaching as high as $111.5 million. Taxpayer-funded lobbyists consistently opposed legislation involving property...

April 6, 2026

Local Government

Austin Governments Make Affordability Worse

Austin-area progressives constantly bemoan the region’s affordability crisis—and then set about making matters worse through all manner of ways. Case-in-point: The latest round of tax increases proposed and adopted by the very left-leaning local officials presiding over the city of Austin, Travis County, Central Health, and Austin ISD. Let’s take them one at a time....

September 17, 2025

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Austin’s Simple Fix for Soaring Housing Costs

When Government Lobbies Itself: Why Texas Should Ban Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying

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