One of the most important reforms the Legislature can enact to promote fiscal responsibility is to make the appropriations process more transparent. A transparent state budget helps taxpayers and legislators understand what they are paying for, and increases the chances of spotting waste, fraud, and abuse.
Local Government
Reinvigorating Federalism and Fiscal Discipline in Texas: Establishing the Office of State Sovereignty
Texas governments received $84.3 billion in federal funding in 2023, raising concerns over financial dependency and regulatory consequences. Creating an Office of State Sovereignty to monitor the application, receipt, and conditions of this aid could mitigate fiscal risk and improve transparency. Key points: Texas lacks a centralized system to oversee federal grants potentially flowing to...
September 9, 2026