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.
Local Government
Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying
FACT SHEET: Understanding Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying Taxpayer-funded lobbying (TFL) is a complex and unfortunate feature of state and local governance. While lobbying is typically associated with private interest groups attempting to influence government decisions, taxpayer-funded lobbying flips this model: it involves government entities themselves using public funds to influence legislative outcomes. The Texas Public Policy Foundation’s...
May 1, 2026