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.
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...