In Texas, we understand Hayek’s emphasis on the importance of freedom to get a job so we can prosper. But government barriers to work keep too many Texans from reaching this goal. The most draconian is occupational licensing. While trying to protect Texans’ health, safety, and welfare is well-intentioned, most licenses do more harm than good.
Taxes & Spending
Taxes are High. Local Spending is to Blame.
Over the last few months, local property taxes have been described as: “steep,” “burdensome,” “stressful,” “too high,” and “out-of-control.” Yet despite these sharp (and accurate!) criticisms of Texas’ property tax, many local governments seem oblivious to the system’s excesses, as evidenced by the adoption of high tax rates this year (see TPPF’s Taxman Cometh series) as well as historical tax, spending, and debt patterns. Worse, what once may have been excused as indifference or detachment now borders on exploitation. Consider some recent revelations about local government compensation. ...
March 26, 2026