Many small and mid-sized cities and counties are right now considering tax rates that, if ultimately adopted, will result in homeowners paying higher taxes. In some cases, those threatened tax hikes are dramatic. To better understand which Texas taxpayers are in the danger zone, I recently surveyed numerous Notices of Public Hearing on Tax Increase,...
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...
When criminal records follow people forever, families struggle, employers lose workers, and communities lose productive citizens. Federal law offers almost no path to redemption, even though second chances strengthen public safety and the economy. Key Points The federal expungement system is effectively nonexistent. Permanent criminal records for non-violent federal offenses undermine work opportunities, family stability,...