Texans are struggling with high inflation, stagnating real wages, and a housing affordability crisis. Moreover, Texas ranks 6th in the nation on the highest property tax paid. Yet, thanks to a record general revenue-related surplus of $32.7 billion, the 88th Legislature has a historic opportunity to provide all Texans with real and lasting relief. To achieve this goal, the Foundation proposes the following roadmap to help alleviate the tax burden and set Texas up for success into the future. This framework is based on 3 essentials—restraining the burden of government, returning a maximum amount of surplus revenue back to taxpayers, and recognizing the need for permanent change.
A Trio of New Transparency Laws: Examining the Open Government Reforms Instituted by SB 843, HB 103, & HB 3526
During the Regular Session, the 89th Texas Legislature passed three key measures to meaningfully improve fiscal transparency and cultivate a more informed decision-making environment. These well-intentioned measures include: • HB 103 (2025), relating to the creation and maintenance of a database of taxing unit bond, tax, and bond-related project information; providing a civil penalty; •...