This memorandum expresses the Foundation’s concerns regarding a proposed constitutional amendment that would authorize local communities to enact new local gasoline taxes and additional vehicle registration fees to pay for road and rail projects, and presents the Foundation’s research on alternative methods to address the state’s transportation needs.
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