School Accountability:Top-Down or Bottom-Up?

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...

Texas Spends Billions on Public Schools. Where Does the Money Go?

Texans paid nearly $105 billion last year to support public schools. They expect that money to go towards providing students with a quality education, not to merely employ adults or line the pockets of outside consultants and contractors. If Texas wants a school system that is focused on effective education and not the appearance of...

TWIA’s Expanding Reach Raises Fresh Concerns 

TWIA has become the leading wind and hail insurer in the catastrophe area. Its position has direct and indirect consequences for Texans statewide. Key points: Since 2020, TWIA has steadily increased its market share in the catastrophe area, raising concerns about scope and cost. TWIA’s quasi-governmental model imposes potential costs on statewide policyholders and private...