Production of crude oil and natural gas has historically fluctuated based on many market-driven and geopolitical factors. Because the Texas Legislature collects severance taxes from this volatile production to primarily fund the state’s rainy day fund, the purpose for and use of the ESF must be worthy.
Taxes & Spending
Testimony to the Senate Committee on Local Government: Senate Bill 9
Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee, My name is James Quintero, and I represent the Texas Public Policy Foundation, a free-market institute headquartered in Austin, Texas. Thank you for the opportunity to address the committee this morning on the merits of Senate Bill (SB) 9, which proposes to reduce the voter-approval tax rate (VATR)...
August 6, 2025