Commentary
Public Service or Personal Gain?
2023 was a year of legislative disappointments: mediocre property tax relief, wasteful spending, and fiscal irresponsibility; however, there was another egregious example of legislative impropriety that may have flown under the radar for some. While you were struggling under the…
Seasons Greetings: Thank You and Merry Christmas from TFR
As the year comes to an end and the Christmas Season is upon us, our hearts are filled with gratitude for the unwavering encouragement and assistance of our dedicated supporters, readers, and fellow taxpayer advocates. This Christmas, we extend our…
Year-in-Review: Texas Mired in Fiscal (Ir)Responsibility
Explore a pivotal year in Texas politics, featuring a historic budget surplus, the largest spending increase, complex property tax cuts, corporate welfare debates, and the unresolved school choice saga. This comprehensive review sheds light on the major legislative decisions and their implications for the future of Texas.
Fact-Checking Biden
Social Media Shines a Spotlight on Joe Biden’s Economic Falsehoods In the nearly three years of his presidency, Joe Biden has left a trail of known failures and questionable (and often nonsensical) statements. That legacy continued recently when, not once,…
I Want School Choice in Texas, But Not Like This
This commentary was originally published at The Center Square here. It is being republished with permission from the author. A record number of states have passed universal school choice so far this year, but it seems Texas won’t be among them. Given…
Counting our Blessings this Thanksgiving
It is that time of year again; the Holiday season is upon us. As we observe Thanksgiving this week, Americans across the country will travel and come together, with family and friends, to celebrate. As we gather around the Thanksgiving…
The Ginn Economic Brief: U.S. Economic Situation—November 2023
Highlights Figure 1: Real Average Weekly Earnings Declined Year-Over-Year for 26 Months Before Being Up in Four but Fell Again Last Month and Remain Down 5% Since January 2021 Overview Labor Market The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently released its…
Texas Bond Propositions: The Rising Tide of Property Tax Burdens and Voter Paradox
One of the perhaps most underreported outcomes of last week’s election is the overwhelming success of local bond propositions, especially those that will further increase the already rapidly growing property tax burden on Texas taxpayers. Collectively, Texas voters considered nearly…
School Choice Stifled by Texas Legislature Once Again
As the third special legislative session reaches its forced conclusion, it does so with not much in the way to show for it, especially regarding efforts on school choice. In continuance of what seems to be a long-standing trend, efforts…
$18.3 Billion Surplus Proves Texas Can Cut Property Taxes More
This commentary was originally published at The Center Square here. It is being republished with permission from the author. The Texas Legislature just found out it has a huge opportunity to correct its profligate spending failures made earlier this year. But instead,…
Quick Reference Guide – 2023 Ballot Propositions
Early voting for the 2023 November election is officially underway, and voters across Texas are headed to the polls. This election held on November 7th is focused on fourteen constitutional amendment propositions, many of which will have a significant impact…
A Brief Examination of a Texas House Hopeful’s Record
The race to fill the vacant seat for Texas House District 2 is underway, with the special election now less than a month out. One candidate, Jill Dutton, has thrown her hat into the ring, hoping that Voters in HD-2…
The Ginn Economic Brief: U.S. Economic Situation—October 2023
Highlights Figure 1: Year-Over-Year Real Average Weekly Earnings Declined for 26 Months Before Increasing in the Last Three but Fell Again and Remain Down Nearly 5% Since January 2021 Overview Labor Market The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently released its…
School Choice for All… Some… Not That Many
What does it say about a state that has to pay off government schools and those within the government school system in order to potentially adopt a school choice system that benefits only some students? That scenario is exactly what…
Last Call for School Choice: Third Special Session in Texas
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) is again promoting what could be universal school choice during the third special session in Texas that starts on Oct. 9th. That would be among the best actions Texas can make, the other being eliminating…