NEWS
Austin ISD Approves Historic Budget
The shrinking school district just adopted its largest budget to date, resulting in higher taxes for residents – and a whopping third of which goes towards recapture.
UK Declares Independence From EU
British voters chose self-governance over political convenience.
A High Price to Pay for Luxury
Midland City Council members face a $42.3 million decision in July of whether or not to build a new convention center downtown (called the Midland Center) that would be funded by hotel occupancy tax revenue. With Midland’s economy in a “slump” due to commodity prices, residents are concerned whether the timing of this purchase could prove unwise in the end.
City of Austin Impounds Ridesharers While DWIs Climb
While pushing regulations in the name of ‘safety,’ the City is actively conducting sting operations against folks who are offering safe riding alternatives – and the results speak for themselves.
FWST Editorial Board Publishes Inaccuracies to Defend TexRail Failure
Local news outlets continue to publish inaccuracies to defend TexRail, Tarrant County’s controversial $1...
Republican Lawmakers Battle Bag Bans
In the brief, Rinaldi and other Republican lawmakers largely echo then-Attorney General Abbott’s argument that cities have overstepped their authority.
House Leadership Suffering From Attrition
Since 2010, nine of Straus’s committee chairmen have lost their re-election bids.
Bed Time for Bad Government
An ordinance recently passed by the City of Austin is ridiculous on its face – and has already invited a lawsuit.
Texas Travelers and Businesses Face Record High Hotel Taxes
Considered a “tourist tax” to many, the Hotel Occupancy Tax is often overlooked by critics when compared to property and sales taxes; more accurately, the HOT represents yet another business tax. With apathy on its side, Hotel Occupancy Rates have skyrocketed across Texas while local governments use the revenue to fund arguably unnecessary and expensive projects.
Charges Filed Against County Judge
Smith County Judge Joel Baker was indicted on charges relating a violation of the Texas Open Meetings Act. He is also facing charges for explicit sexual conduct while at work.
Zimmerman Sues Adler Over Ballot Language
The Councilmember rightfully argues that the ballot language brought to voters was confusing and misleading.
Cities Make Regulations Harder For Uber Than Taxis
Cities across the state of Texas are adopting regulations making it harder on innovative industries, such as ridesharing.