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.
Local Government
Examining Local Government Spending Trends From 2014 to 2023
City and county spending has outpaced growth in population and inflation, leading to an increase in the tax burden on Texan taxpayers. Key points: Local government spending continues to outstrip increases in both population and inflation. From 2014 to 2023, local government spending rose by 61.2%, whereas population and inflation increased by only 42.7%. Elevated...
March 6, 2026