Texas did not become America’s economic engine by accident. The Texas Miracle is built on
a regulatory and economic framework that expands the freedom of families and
businesses. Every legislative session, state leaders work to fortify that framework and
reduce the burden of government to keep Texas the best place in the nation to work, raise a
family, and run a business.
But that progress is now in jeopardy. Irresponsible local governments are soaking up the
gains Texans have made. Even after the Legislature delivered billions in property tax cuts,
many Texans haven’t felt the relief. Why? Because city councils, counties, and school
districts keep raising their own taxes, even admitting in public meetings that they are doing
so because the cuts the state made will help them avoid Texans noticing. Texans were told
their tax bills would go down, yet appraisal manipulation and runaway local spending
ensured the savings never reached their tax bills.
The data is clear: Local tax collections and spending have surged far beyond population
growth and inflation. Families don’t get to increase their budgets by 8–10% every year, but
too many local governments behave as if taxpayers are an unlimited ATM. And when Texans
feel the squeeze, the Legislature gets blamed for damage local officials caused.
It’s time for state policymakers to take the gloves off and protect taxpayers. Texas should
cut the waste, cap spending, reform the rigged system, and allow voters to roll back the
local tax hikes that wiped out state relief.
Local governments are putting the Texas Miracle at risk. The state must act boldly to ensure
Texans can live, work, and raise a family without an overly burdensome government in their
way.
