Booming
What to know: More and more people are calling Texas home, according to newly-released Census Bureau data. “For the third year in a row, Texas’ population increased more than any other state.”
The TPPF take: Freedom is popular.
“Americans are voting with their feet and, by their actions, they’re signaling the popularity of low taxes and limited government. State and local policymakers would do well to recognize just how popular freedom is—and make sure that we don’t veer from that path,” says TPPF’s James Quintero.
For more on Texas population boom, click here.
Deep in Debt
What to know: New data from the Bond Review Board reveals that local government debt grew to $552 billion in fiscal year 2025. That’s enough borrowing to send every man, woman, and child in Texas a bill for $17,000+.
The TPPF take: When governments borrow big, taxpayers are stuck with the tab.
“Property taxes continue to skyrocket because local government spending is out of control. That recklessness is on full display when it comes to the matter of local debt,” says TPPF’s James Quintero. “Strict, new reforms are needed to get this big and growing problem under control.”
For more on spending reform, click here.
California Schemin’
What to know: California is experiencing the largest wealth flight in the state’s history, with the departure of companies worth more than $1.3 trillion.
The TPPF take: There’s no mystery here. Businesses are leaving for more business-friendly states.
“California is the epitome of the progressive left operational model, the blueprint for others to follow — and, home to San Francisco and UC Berkeley, the one place where democratic socialism might first work,” says TPPF’s Chuck DeVore. “California’s economic growth lagged behind that of the U.S. — and significantly behind its two prominent red-state rivals, Florida and Texas.”
For more on California, click here.