Economy
What makes Texas the most small business-friendly state, and Rhode Island the least
Being unfriendly to business isn’t good for the economy.
August 18, 2015
Economy
You’re killing me: Regulations, government unions, and taxes squash small business
Texas and Utah were rated by small business owners as the best states for small business.
August 18, 2015
Economy
Hotel occupancy tax deters visitors
Austin has built its success on a reputation of quirky events and a population willing to settle somewhere new. As currently structured, the hotel occupancy tax deters visitors from enjoying either.
August 18, 2015
Economy
Scrap 3% proposed pay bump for Hidalgo Co. workers
Spending one-time monies — like those in the reserve fund, on recurring expenses — like salaries, is never a good approach.
August 17, 2015
Economy
Robbing Midland to pay Dallas and vice versa
The challenge is being able to afford the price of a hotel, especially when state and local governments insist on foisting heavy taxes on paid room accommodations because they believe it will spur economic growth at little cost to residents.
August 16, 2015
Taxes & Spending
The homeowner’s fight against the property tax
In the long run, the property tax should be replaced with a consumption-based tax. This would allow taxpayers to finally own their own home instead of paying rent forever to the government and provide a more efficient, discretionary tax to fund local government core functions.
August 14, 2015
Taxes & Spending
Strong leadership, right policies are key to fixing Houston’s finances
Contrary to the article, local debt is a major problem in the Bayou City.
August 14, 2015
Taxes & Spending
ICYMI: Local government should follow state’s lean budget lead
The Texas economy is the envy of the nation. By championing policies of limited government and low taxes, policymakers have encouraged businesses and individuals alike to make the Lone Star State their new home. But Texas’ preference for small government is really only true when looking at the state level.
August 14, 2015
Criminal Justice
No more costly mandatory minimum sentences
Recent rulings at the U.S. Supreme Court on gay marriage and Obamacare are high-profile reminders that there is not much the left and right agrees on in this country.
August 14, 2015
Economy
2016 U.S. presidential candidates: End the minimum wage
The minimum wage tends to hurt those it is intended to help.
August 14, 2015
Economy
Poverty: It’s not where you think it is
When politicians suggest using the power of government to combat poverty, is it too much to ask that we first, do no harm?
August 13, 2015
Taxes & Spending
ICYMI: Houston needs better tools to fix pension problems
If Houstonians are to have any hope of addressing the fiscal problems highlighted by Moody’s and others, then it’s critical that incoming lawmakers restore local control of municipal retirement systems that are governed by the state. In this way, community stakeholders will be empowered to make good governance changes that can, if done right, bring stability to these systems.
August 13, 2015