Economy
SB 151: Testimony Before the House Committee on Pensions
Testimony in support of SB 151 by James Quintero.
May 16, 2017
Property Rights
Local Overregulation: Tree-Cutting Ordinances
Municipal tree-cutting ordinances are more than a nuisance; they effectively seize the property impacted by the regulation. If a landowner wishes to remove a tree in order to construct an improvement—such as a backyard swing set—and cannot, that area has been taken by the government without any compensation.
May 16, 2017
Economy
ICYMI: Brownsville Axes its Bag Fee
Texans tired of municipal micromanagement enjoyed some good news last week. On Thursday, Attorney General Ken Paxton announced that his office had “dismissed a lawsuit against Brownsville after the city formally repealed its illegal sales tax on plastic bags.” The city’s plastic bag ordinance has been at the center of a brewing controversy over the...
May 16, 2017
Taxes & Spending
Give voters more control of property taxes
These data reinforce what everyone already knows — that Texas’ property tax system is broken and needs an overhaul lest more people lose their homes, businesses, and futures.
May 14, 2017
Taxes & Spending
Yes, Cities are Part of the Property Tax Problem
Austin Mayor Steve Adler reportedly doesn’t think that cities are contributing to Texas’ enormous property tax problem, according to the Texas Tribune’s Sanya Mansoor. Well, I beg to differ. Property taxes levied by city governments totaled $8.4 billion in in 2015, representing 16 percent of the total share ($52.2 billion). On a per capita basis,...
May 10, 2017
Taxes & Spending
Going for Broke: San Antonio Asks Voters to Approve Massive New Debts
On Saturday, San Antonio will ask voters to approve a massive $850 million bond, split into 6 different propositions, including: Proposition 1: Streets, Bridges, & Sidewalk Improvements ($445.3 M) Proposition 2: Drainage & Flood Control Improvements ($139 M) Proposition 3: Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Improvements ($187.3 M) Proposition 4: Library & Cultural Facilities Improvements...
May 5, 2017
Taxes & Spending
Are Dallas Taxpayers About to Bail-Out the DPFPS?
Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings has come under fire recently for his criticism of a controversial bill proposing to overhaul the Dallas Police & Fire Pension System (DPFPS) that’s been referred to as a “massive taxpayer bailout.” Looking at the latest analysis from the Legislative Budget Board, it’s easy to see how Mayor Rawlings might have...
May 4, 2017
Taxes & Spending
Killeen Officials Decry “Revenue Problems,” Audit Finds Differently
The Killeen Daily Herald reports that city officials misused public funds even while complaining about “a serious revenue problem.” The revelations come to light as the result of an independent audit that found that: Bond funds were used for unauthorized purposes, such as operating expenses, including salaries; Consistent analysis and planning for capital projects was...
May 4, 2017
Property Rights
New Poll: Majority of Austinites Oppose Homesharing Regulations
A new poll asked Austin-area residents to voice their views on the city’s short-term rental restrictions and, not surprisingly, most people opposed the heavy-handed regulations. The poll, published today and conducted by pollster Peter Zandan, surveyed “800-plus people” and found that 42 percent of respondents oppose Austin’s STR regulation while only 31 percent support the...
April 20, 2017
Economy
ICYMI: Senator Gramm Encourages the Legislature on Annexation Reform
Former U.S. Senator Phil Gramm penned a fantastic letter last week addressed to every member of the Texas Legislature, encouraging lawmakers to finally bring an end forced annexation. Here’s an excerpt from the memo: “The Texas Legislature appears to be on the verge of ending forced annexation. I want to applaud you for your work...
April 19, 2017
Taxes & Spending
Proposed Hays High School Will Make You Want to Go Back to 12th Grade
In May, Hays Consolidated Independent School District will ask voters to approve two separate bond propositions totaling $250 million. While officials are pitching the bonds as a way to “provid[e] the infrastructure needed to meet the current student enrollment and the expected growth in enrollment,” a growing number of residents are expressing concern about the...
April 13, 2017
Taxes & Spending
Billions on the Ballot in May
May promises to be a busy time for voters. Next month’s election cycle will see 45 different political subdivisions asking voters to approve 49 separate bond propositions totaling $5.5 billion. That’s a hefty sum, especially given Texas’ already elevated level of debt. Among those asking for the most are: Lewisville ISD ($737.5 M); Collin County...
April 13, 2017