Featured News
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…
Real Options for Eliminating Property Taxes in Texas
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…
Foreign Land Ownership and the American Dream
The American Dream Land ownership has always been deeply intertwined with the American identity. From the earliest days of settlement, land was seen as foundational to liberty, independence, self-determination, and economic opportunity. Colonists and immigrants from all over the world…
News and Commentary
TFR Statement On Current Texas Budget Proposals
AUSTIN, TX – On Wednesday, the Texas House and Texas Senate both introduced their proposed appropriation bills for the 2026-2027 biennium. The House version, HB 1, was introduced by State Rep. Greg Bonnen (R-Friendswood), while the Senate version, SB 1,…
Property Taxes Up Again in 2024
The News Comes Despite Promises of Tax Relief New data released by the Texas Comptroller’s office shows that property taxes increased for the second straight year, despite recent claims of property tax relief from politicians. Figure 1 shows the total…
Dustin Burrows Secures Speakership
Democrat Majority Defeats Republican Nominee David Cook On Tuesday, the long-awaited and highly contentious race for Speaker of the Texas House came to a disappointing conclusion for advocates of small government and fiscal responsibility. A majority of Democrat House members were…
Vote Notice – 1.16.2025
Texans for Fiscal Responsibility has issued the following vote notice for January 16, 2025 (Day 3 of the 89th Legislative Session): Texas House of Representatives Subject: HR 3 – Housekeeping Resolution Subject: HR 3 – Housekeeping Resolution – Specific Amendments…
Vote Notice – 1.14.2025
Texans for Fiscal Responsibility has issued the following vote notice for January 14, 2025 (Day 1 of the 89th Legislative Session): Texas House of Representatives Subject: Speaker of the House Texas Senate None Reminder: Vote Notices are provided to both Texas state…
A Letter to Legislators
Today, on the first day of the 89th Legislative Session, TFR sent the following message to members of the Texas Legislature congratulating them on their election and informing them about the Fiscal Responsibility Index: Dear State Senator or State Representative, …
Texas Property Taxes Rose in 2023 Despite Promises
The latest Biennial Property Tax Report from the Texas Comptroller confirms what many Texas homeowners and fiscal watchdogs, like TFR, already suspected: property taxes did, in fact, increase in 2023 by $650 Million despite promises of relief. While this news…
The Taxpayer’s Guide to the Texas Legislature: The Basics
The 2025 Texas legislative session is set to begin on January 14th, and with it comes an opportunity to enact meaningful reforms to benefit Texans. For taxpayers, it is crucial to understand the legislative process, key dates, and mechanisms that…
How to Create Real Educational Choice for Texas Parents and Students
The Problem with Previous Texas School Choice Proposals K-12 education in Texas today comes in two forms, public and the private. For the most part in Texas, these two systems operate separately. Unlike many other states, Texas doesn’t have a…
Ginn Economic Brief: Texas’ Path to Prosperity
Texas continues to lead as an economic powerhouse in the United States, but challenges persist. With the 2025 legislative session around the corner, it’s imperative that lawmakers address rising government spending, high property taxes, and regulatory barriers to ensure sustainable…
Ginn Economic Brief: U.S. at an Economic Crossroads
As 2024 concludes, the U.S. economy remains at a crossroads. While recent gross domestic product (GDP) revisions suggest stronger growth, the nation faces significant challenges in inflation, debt, and structural problems. Years of reckless government spending, regulatory overreach, and Federal…
A Christmas Message from Texans for Fiscal Responsibility
Dear Friends and Fellow Texans, As the year draws to a close and the Christmas season is upon us, I want to take a moment to reflect on the blessings of the past year and share my heartfelt gratitude for…
Texas’ Economic Freedom: Threatened by Spending, Property Taxes, and Licensing
Texas shines as a top contender for economic freedom, ranking 5th in the United States in the latest 2024 Economic Freedom of North America (EFNA) report. Its lower-tax environment and flexible labor market have made the Lone Star State a…
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….