News and Commentary

News

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…

Research

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…

Commentary

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…

Commentary

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…

Commentary

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…

Commentary

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…

Explainers

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…

News

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…

Commentary

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….

Commentary

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….

Commentary

Texas Schools and Local Governments Want Even More Money

Election season is finally upon us, and while many are heavily focused on federal and state elections, one of the important issues that will appear on millions of Texan’s ballots are propositions with a direct impact on their pocket book. …

Commentary

Elon Musk Sounds the Alarm

Massive Government Spending, Out of Control Debt, and Government Inefficiency Abounds Tesla and SpaceX pioneer, and X (formerly Twitter) CEO, Elon Musk, has absorbed himself into the world of political advocacy with his endorsement and vocal support of President Donald…

Commentary

Texas vs. California: Which Model Works Better?

In the latest economic showdown between Texas and California—the two largest U.S. states by population and economic output—the results are clear: Texas is outpacing California in job creation and overall economic performance.  Over the year leading up to September 2024,…

Statements

Press Release: TFR Poll Reveals Texans Believe Harris Will Raise Taxes; Support Fiscal Restraint

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUSTIN, TX – On Monday, October 21st, Texans for Fiscal Responsibility released a poll of Texas general election voters. Conducted by CWS Research, the poll shows Donald Trump leading Kamala Harris by 5. It also shows 53 percent of…

Commentary

The True Extent of Inflation

The Inflation Toll: Biden/Harris Policies and Texas’ Economic Struggle As Texas grapples with unregulated and irresponsible spending on behalf of state legislators, the economic policies of the Biden/Harris Administration have cast a long shadow over the Lone Star State’s desire…