News and Commentary
Will Texas DOGE more spending?
State needs a similar effort to Musk’s federal crusade. This commentary was originally published at The Dallas Morning News here. It is being republished with permission from the author. One of the most amazing political phenomena Americans have seen in ages is…
Texas Spending is Out of Control
Texans know that economic freedom is the foundation of prosperity. Yet, despite Republican control of the Governor’s Office and Legislature since 2003, state and local government spending has grown far too much, burdening taxpayers and stifling even greater economic growth….
Texas: A Leader in Tax Competitiveness, But Room to Improve
Texas ranks 7th in the 2025 State Tax Competitiveness Index, benefiting from its lack of an individual income tax and a competitive unemployment insurance tax system. However, high property taxes, a complex corporate tax system, and excessive government spending, all…
Eliminating Property Taxes in Texas: Real Options for True Homeownership and Economic Prosperity
Property taxes are a financial burden that Texans can no longer afford to endure. Over the past 26 years, Figure 1 illustrates how property taxes have increased by an unsustainable 330%, far outpacing population and inflation growth of 136%. Figure…
House Speaker Vote Results and Fallout
What it means for conservative-fiscal policy On Saturday, the Texas House Republican Caucus convened in the capitol building to cast their votes for a new Speaker, following Dade Phelan’s withdrawal from the contentious race the day before. As reported by…
Dade Phelan Drops Out, His Lieutenant Jumps In
This morning, the sitting Speaker of the Texas House, Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont) released a statement announcing that he was withdrawing his candidacy to remain Speaker in the 89th Legislative Session. Phelan’s statement announcing his decision said, in part, “Out of…
Texas Spending in the Current Biennium Likely to Top $400 Billion
The old truism is that there are two certainties in life, death and taxes. I’d like to modify that slightly to death and government spending. After all, government spending is why taxes exist. No spending, no taxes. But there is…
The Case Against Dade Phelan (or a Dade 2.0) as House Speaker
As the 89th legislative session quickly approaches following tremendous GOP gains in the 2024 election, Republicans in the Texas State House are divided over leadership. An impending vote this weekend for House Speaker looms like a dark cloud over the…
We Have Much To Be Thankful For This Year
As we gather with loved ones this Thanksgiving and dig into the turkey and dressing, we at Texans for Fiscal Responsibility want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to you—our supporters, advocates, and friends. Your unwavering dedication…
2024 Victory Marks the Beginning of the Fight for Fiscal Sanity
The 2024 election results were a clear victory for fiscal conservatives across Texas (and the country as a whole). With the Republican Party securing expanded majorities in both chambers of the State legislature, a unique opportunity is presented to push…
Here’s How Much Thanksgiving Dinner Will Cost You in 2024, Compared to 5 years Ago
Every year, a survey is released detailing the average cost of Thanksgiving dinner for American families. Volunteers across the country visit their local grocery stores to assess the prices of the common staples found in a “typical Thanksgiving feast,” for…
Sustainable Tax Relief: Why Surplus Triggers Are Better Than Revenue Triggers
States across the country are rethinking tax reform to stay competitive for residents and businesses. Many are exploring ways to phase out personal income, business franchise, and property taxes to attract workers, foster economic growth, and ensure property rights. But…
Bill Pre-Filing Has Begun for the 89th Legislative Session
Just one week after the 2024 election in which the Republican Party further expanded their majorities in both chambers of the Texas Legislature, pre-filing of bills for the 2025 legislative session has started. Thanks to the widespread victories of anti-establishment…
Tackling Texas’ Housing Affordability Crisis
Texas is at a critical point in addressing its housing affordability crisis. As the property tax burden on Texans is at historic highs, the State’s housing market faces serious challenges that drive up costs and limit access to affordable homes….
Americans Choose Fiscal Sanity
Election Results Promise a More Prosperous Future for All As Tuesday’s election results began pouring in, it became clear that the American people voted to deliver a vicious referendum on the past 4 years of fiscal irresponsibility and government expansion….