Senate Bill 18: The Necessity of a Taking

February 11, 2011

According to the United States and Texas constitutions, eminent domain can only be used for a public use. Reflecting these constitutional provisions, SB 18 prohibits taking of private property unless the taking is for a public use.

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Democrat Gina Hinojosa Pretends To Be Conservative

Democrats haven’t won a statewide office in Texas since 1994. So this year, the Democrat at the top of the ticket is seeking to topple Republican Gov. Greg Abbott – by pretending to be a conservative. No, really. Texas state Rep. Gina Hinojosa, a Democrat from Austin, is out with a new ad in her...

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Housing Is Too Expensive. Blame Your Local Tree Ordinance.

Matthew Bernard wanted to build a home. He bought a small lot in Oakland, California, and began clearing several diseased and fallen trees that the local fire department had identified as hazards. The result was a $915,000 “mitigation fee” from the city of Oakland—nearly five times the value of the lot itself. Under Oakland’s tree ordinance,...

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Texas Gave Cities a Tool for More Housing Affordability. Some Are Throwing It Away.

Housing affordability is one of the Lone Star State’s – and greater Houston’s – most pressing challenges. Recent estimates suggest Texas’ statewide housing shortage exceeds 300,000 homes, applying upward pressure on rents and prices in ways that squeeze working households, young families, and seniors looking to downsize. The gap is especially severe for first-time homebuyers,...

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Democrat Gina Hinojosa Pretends To Be Conservative

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Texas Gave Cities a Tool for More Housing Affordability. Some Are Throwing It Away.