Texas’ national economic rating has declined this year, according to a study conducted by the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). High property taxes, a local debt crisis, unfunded public pensions, and a large government workforce drove the downgrade....
The most effective ways to deliver lasting property tax relief are reforms that limit the taxing, spending, and borrowing power of local governments. But Texans should not expect such protections to be enacted willingly—they must speak louder than the government...
During the 84th legislative session, State Sen. Don Huffines (R-Dallas) advanced a complete phase out of Texas’ disastrous business tax, otherwise known as the franchise tax. Now he’s calling for the repeal of the Motor Vehicle Inspection Tax, an outdated “vehicle...
Texas’ local debt epidemic continues to worsen at an alarming rate. In response, conservatives such as State Sen. Konni Burton (R-Colleyville) have pledged to push for debt-related reforms next legislative session. Texas has the second-highest per-capita local debt in...
In his campaign against taxpayer champion Matt Rinaldi, Bennett Ratliff is touting a small group of "conservative" legislative endorsements. But the group is composed of liberals, lobbyists, losers, and lame ducks. Of the thirteen legislative endorsements touted by...
At Wednesday’s hearing on property tax reform, the president of the Texas Municipal League (TML) strongly opposed any legislation aimed at limiting the tax-hiking power of cities. When State Sen. Van Taylor (R-Plano) asked how much government is too much, TML's...
Texans rank second highest in the nation for local debt liability – even after adjusting for our massive population growth.
The Dallas City Council recently voted 14-1 to increase taxes on taxpayers next year. Over the last decade, city tax collections increased by a whopping thirty eight percent, when measured on a per-resident basis. Despite the sharp increase, city politicians claim it...
Across North Texas’ fifty most populous cities, Southlake and Coppell collect the most property tax revenue per resident. As more sunlight is cast on the murky world of local government finance, it’s becoming clear that many politicians base their tax rates on...
Arlington residents are left wondering whether city officials who campaigned on “fiscal responsibility” and “low taxes” will follow through on their promises.