NEWS
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.
Hillary Clinton? Not in Texas
Texas’ Democrats could again have a vibrant party… if they rejected the socialist, anti-Texas agenda of their national party.
Austin Increases Revenue Dedication for Housing Subsidies
In a grand irony, the City of Austin has increased its subsidization of a problem that its reckless spending habit is largely responsible for creating.
Midland ISD to Add Tax Increase to November’s Ballot
Amidst budget issues, Midland ISD Trustees announced that they plan to ask the community for a property tax increase. The rate has yet to be set but, according to officials, could be as high as $1.17 – the highest maintenance and operations rate allowed by the state.
The Need for Real Budget Reform
Unless the Legislature passes commonsense budgeting reforms, the state’s spending problems will only get worse.
Texas Republicans Overwhelmingly Favor Repealing In-State Tuition for Illegal Immigrants
The simple language, which reads “We oppose in-state college tuition for illegal aliens,” was supported by over 95% of the convention delegates.
Taxpayer Guide to Property Taxation
The simple truth about property taxes is that local officials—not appraisal boards—control how much your tax...