It is inaccurate for anyone to claim that state spending in the House budget is failing to keep pace with population growth and inflation. In fact, even after accounting for the correction of past deferrals, state spending in HB 1 is increasing faster than estimated population growth and inflation. Spending in all areas other than public education is increasing by over 13 percent, five percentage points higher than inflation and population growth are prognosticated to be.
Just the Facts: Local Government Spending
Despite billions in property tax relief provided by recent state legislatures, Texans’ property tax bills continue to increase due to unrestricted spending at the local level. Key points: City and county government spending continues to outstrip increases in both population and inflation. While the state government has constitutional and statutory spending limits, local governments do...