Many of the challenges confronting Texas’ criminal justice system result from public policies that create incentives which are not fully aligned with the stated goals of the system–reducing crime, restoring victims, and minimizing costs to the taxpayer. This perspective provides policy recommendations for better aligning the system’s incentives and goals.
Taxes & Spending
Just the Facts: Local Government Spending
Despite billions in property tax relief provided by recent state legislatures, Texans’ property tax bills continue to increase due to unrestricted spending at the local level. Key points: City and county government spending continues to outstrip increases in both population and inflation. While the state government has constitutional and statutory spending limits, local governments do...
August 10, 2026