For as outspoken as the M-10’s been on the importance of self-governance, it’s been oddly quiet on a major public policy issue in its own backyard where local control has been willingly ceded to Austin lawmakers—state-governed local pension plans.
After comments made by Gov. Greg Abbott at Policy Orientation in January, Texas Tells discusses local control.
For Kingsbury, the road to their own city has not been easy. But like all freedom-loving Texans, their resolve to protect their rights has remained undeterred.
The U.S. Census Bureau released new data recently revealing that the U.S. homeownership rate dropped to only 64.5 percent, a 20-year-low. The blame should be placed squarely on federal and local tampering, which have caused, not solved, our housing problems.
Requiring community stakeholders to go through the legislative process—which happens only every other year and for 140 days at that—to make changes to their local retirement systems is an enormous roadblock for even the most motivated parties. Not only does it mean having patience and perseverance but also the right political connections.
Comptroller Hegar identified nine antiquated state taxes that should be repealed this session reducing the tax burden without substantially affecting state revenue. But the roughly $16.6 million in total tax savings, according to the 2016-17 Biennial Revenue Estimate, benefits Texans by leaving more money in their pockets.
Too many small business owners in McAllen stress enough trying to keep afloat without needing to worry about the costs associated with the state’s business margin tax.
The Honorable Talmadge Heflin testifies before the Senate Finance Committee on SB 1.
Dr. Vance Ginn, TPPF economist, testifies before the Senate Finance Committee in support of SB 105.
Though many battles are cast in a negative light, this fight over providing the most tax relief among the governor, Senate leaders and House leaders benefits Texans.
Research shows that business taxes are the worst because of their economic costs on income and job growth. Dollars taken from employers simply leave less for pay raises and new jobs, thereby slowing economic activity and impoverishing citizens — particularly the working poor.
On Thursday, for the first time, the word "overcriminalization" appeared in the body of a U.S. Supreme Court opinion.