News and Commentary

NewsState

In Debate, Abbott Says He Will Eliminate School Property Taxes

Last Friday, Texas taxpayers had a chance to watch the one and only debate between former U.S. Congressman Beto O’Rourke (D) and incumbent Governor Greg Abbott (R) before the November general election. The two addressed several issues important to Texans,…

NewsState

Political Theatre on Fiscal Prudence in Texas House of Representatives

During the 86th legislative session in 2019, state lawmakers passed legislation related to strategic fiscal reviews of state agencies and programs, seemingly an attempt at fiscal prudence relating to the allocation of tax dollars at the state level for some…

Podcast - Taxpayer Talks

Episode 7: Political Activism, Deceptive Cities, and Chapter 313 Tax Abatements

Episode Description 💰 In this episode of 𝗧𝗔𝗫𝗣𝗔𝗬𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞𝗦, we discuss political activism in fiscal policy, deceptive cities raising taxes, and chapter 313 tax abatements.   Articles Referenced The Importance of Political Activism in Fiscal Policy (9.26.2022) Fort Worth Slaps…

Explainers

Explainer: What Are 313 Tax Abatements?

A topic that has become more popular recently due to Speaker Dade Phelan’s support for their renewal is Chapter 313 tax abatements. However, when interacting with taxpayers, I have noticed that most people have no clue about the controversial program….

NewsLocal

Fort Worth Slaps Taxpayers in the Face, Raises Taxes

It happened again: yet another deceptive tax increase by a major city. Last night, Fort Worth officially adopted its new tax rate of 71.25. This comes despite opposition from the public and two city council members dissenting to the tax…

Commentary

The Importance of Political Activism in Fiscal Policy

In the past year, conservatives have seen a lot of political activism in reaction to the Biden administration’s failures. We have also seen backlash from social norms moving away from traditional values. For instance, we have seen conservatives become politically…

Podcast - Taxpayer Talks

Episode 6: Fed Rate Hikes, Executive Overreach, & Eating Crickets

Episode Description 💰 In this episode of 𝗧𝗔𝗫𝗣𝗔𝗬𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞𝗦, we discuss recent federal reserve rate hikes, Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s executive overreach, and eating crickets.   Articles Referenced Abbott Refuses to Relinquish Power, Extends COVID Emergency Again (9.20.22) Explainer: What…

NewsState

Abbott Refuses to Relinquish Power, Extends COVID Emergency Again

Yesterday, Abbott renewed his COVID disaster declaration for another 30 days. Texas is now lagging behind the rest of the nation as one of only 12 states that have refused to lay down their unconstitutional executive power. This marks the…

Explainers

Explainer: What Is the World Economic Forum?

For the last few years, it’s been hard to go to a grassroots gathering without at least a mention of the World Economic Forum or a quote from the infamous Klaus Schwab. If you haven’t heard of the World Economic…

NewsState

Senate Committee on Local Government Meets on Important Taxpayer Items

This week, the Senate Committee on Local Government met to deal with a list of issues and charges, some of which involved property taxes, taxpayer-funded lobbying, and appraisal reform. In many ways, this was the Senate version of the charges…

Podcast - Taxpayer Talks

Episode 5: Senate Committee Discusses Issues Important to Texas Taxpayers

Episode Description 💰 In this episode of 𝗧𝗔𝗫𝗣𝗔𝗬𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞𝗦, we discuss the Biden administration gaffe on inflation and the Texas Senate Local Government Committee hearings this week where they discussed property tax reform and taxpayer-funded lobbying.   Articles Referenced Senate…

Commentary

Confidence Low That Texas Legislature Will Act on Property Taxes Next Session

Following a recent interim hearing of the Texas House Ways and Means Committee, where among the many issues they discussed was that of recent attempts by the Texas Legislature to reform property taxes and appraisals, we surveyed subscribers to The…

NewsState

House Committees Met on Issues Important to Texas Taxpayers

On Thursday, both the Texas House Appropriations and Ways and Means Committees held interim public hearings in preparation for the upcoming legislative session set to begin in January of 2023. Texans for Fiscal Responsibility was there in person to help…

Podcast - Taxpayer Talks

Episode 4: Special Episode from the Texas Capitol

Episode Description 💰 In this episode of 𝗧𝗔𝗫𝗣𝗔𝗬𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞𝗦, we discuss observations from Texas House Appropriations and Ways & Means Committee hearings that took place Thursday where they discussed things like property tax, appraisal reform, corporate welfare, and state spending. We…

NewsState

Opportunities Grow for Texas Taxpayers Concerned About Property Taxes

As state lawmakers prepare for the 2023 legislative session in the coming weeks, Texas taxpayers have multiple opportunities to address state lawmakers on issues like their ever-increasing property tax burdens.   Texas Senate Local Government Committee The Texas Senate Local…