Freight Rail’s Potential to Reduce Traffic Congestion

October 30, 2001

Traffic congestion is increasing around the nation and is routinely one of the most significant concerns raised in public opinion surveys. There is evidence that freight-based projects offer substantial opportunities to contain traffic congestion.

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Historic Preservation Commissions Tread on Property Rights

John Mark Slack wanted to restore his historic San Marcos home for livability. But San Marcos’ Historic Preservation Commission demanded that in order to get a Certificate of Appropriateness—its stamp of approval—he must replace the roof, siding and doors; broaden the front porch, and add skirting to their specifications. But commissioners didn’t stop there. In...

August 20, 2025

Taxes & Spending

Hijacked: How the Bond Process is Being Used Against Taxpayers

School bonds are one of the main instruments contributing to Texas’s local government debt, which is currently over half a trillion dollars. Key points: As of 2026, school bond debt in Texas is over $236 billion. In May of 2023, Texas passed 79% of the 245 bond proposals put on the ballot, costing taxpayers $22.9...

April 7, 2026

Local Government

When Government Lobbies Itself: Why Texas Should Ban Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying

Texas local governments use taxpayer dollars to hire lobbyists to influence state legislation—creating conflicts of interest, distorting democratic accountability, and undermining the interests of Texas taxpayers. Key points: Taxpayer-funded lobbying expenditures more than doubled from the 85th to the 89th Legislature, now reaching as high as $111.5 million. Taxpayer-funded lobbyists consistently opposed legislation involving property...

April 6, 2026

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Historic Preservation Commissions Tread on Property Rights

Hijacked: How the Bond Process is Being Used Against Taxpayers

When Government Lobbies Itself: Why Texas Should Ban Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying