Enemy of the People

Texas Local Government Debt Soars to $552 Billion

New data shows a dramatic increase in local government debt last year, which drove property taxes higher and worsened the cost-of-living crisis.  According to the Bond Review Board’s latest estimates, the total amount owed by cities, counties, school districts, and special districts rose to nearly $552 billion in fiscal year (FY) 2025. Shockingly, that massive sum is more than $52 billion higher than the prior year’s amount.  Once again, independent school districts (ISDs) were the most heavily indebted type of political subdivision,...

The Explosion of Transmission Costs in ERCOT: Causes, Forecasts, and Policy Solutions

KEY POINTS • Transmission costs in ERCOT rose from $1.5 billion in 2010 to over $5 billion in 2024 and could increase to over $12 billion per year by 2033. • After adjusting for inflation and overall rising electricity demand, the average ratepayer in the ERCOT region paid 57% more in transmission charges in 2024...

Cool, Clear Water: For the Future of Texas

Water is critical to ensure a prosperous future for Texas. That’s a statement that virtually no one disagrees with. Water satisfies thirsty communities, fuels industry, powers next generation technologies, sustains reliable generation of electricity, and maintains the natural beauty of the state. But Texans will soon go to the polls to vote on legislation that...