Economic Freedom

June 24, 2009

A review of the 80th Texas Legislature’s work on property rights, homeowners’ and windstorm insurance, electricity and renewable energy, civil justice, telecommunications, and financial regulation.

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Michael Petrick v. City of Austin

Date Filed: July 27, 2026 Original Court: Western District of Texas, Austin Division Case Status: Active Litigation Case Summary: In August 2025, Michael Petrick purchased a home on a 0.28-acre lot in Austin, Texas, in preparation for the birth of his first child. The property contained three overgrown trees. One tree was splitting and posed...

July 27, 2026

Local Government

Reinvigorating Federalism and Fiscal Discipline in Texas: Establishing the Office of State Sovereignty

Texas governments received $84.3 billion in federal funding in 2023, raising concerns over financial dependency and regulatory consequences. Creating an Office of State Sovereignty to monitor the application, receipt, and conditions of this aid could mitigate fiscal risk and improve transparency. Key points: Texas lacks a centralized system to oversee federal grants potentially flowing to...

September 9, 2026

Property Rights

Housing Is Too Expensive. Blame Your Local Tree Ordinance.

Matthew Bernard wanted to build a home. He bought a small lot in Oakland, California, and began clearing several diseased and fallen trees that the local fire department had identified as hazards. The result was a $915,000 “mitigation fee” from the city of Oakland—nearly five times the value of the lot itself. Under Oakland’s tree ordinance,...

August 27, 2026

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Michael Petrick v. City of Austin

Reinvigorating Federalism and Fiscal Discipline in Texas: Establishing the Office of State Sovereignty

Housing Is Too Expensive. Blame Your Local Tree Ordinance.