Federal funds that go directly to Texas’ political subdivisions affect the Texas economy as a whole. But regulation of Texas’ economy is, under the U.S. Constitution, a power that belongs to the state government, not the federal government. The Texas state government needs to take a full reckoning of federal grants sent directly to local governments, because these funds are never “free”—they come with federal requirements that build spending requirements into the system.
Higher Education
A Triumph for Civic Renewal at America’s 250th
A Texas program aims to improve civic literacy in underserved communities. At a time when we Americans routinely worry about the health of our civic culture, the U.S. Department of Education has made a notable investment. Earlier this month, the department approved a $1.9-million grant for The American Civic Tradition at 250, a joint initiative of Texas...
January 28, 2026