A vibrant, competitive short-term lending market is necessary for the financial well-being of many Texans. Restricting or cutting off access to short-term, micro loans will have very real unintended consequences for consumers who use these financial products.
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