The benefits and costs of changing the state tax code can now be estimated by a dynamic computer program, developed for the Foundation by the Beacon Hill Institute. Texas-STAMP provides highly detailed information about the effects of specific tax changes on various aspects of the state economy over a five year period. Accessed over the Internet, Texas-STAMP will be used in the halls of the Capitol as legislators debate tax proposals, such as increases in the sales tax, property tax reduction and the introduction of a business activity tax. Texas-STAMP is the centerpiece of the multi-faceted, comprehensive research initiative on school finance that the Foundation began in 2003.
Austin ISD is an Absolute Mess
Texas’ “most progressive” school district—Austin ISD—continues to be a shining example of all that’s wrong in public education. To start, it was recently revealed that AISD is likely facing a $60 million budget deficit for the upcoming 2024-25 school year. But rather than reduce spending to close the gap, district officials appeared content “to [only]...