On Monday, Texans for Fiscal Responsibility Taxpayer Champion State Rep. Briscoe Cain (R-Deer Park) filed legislation seeking to impose a spending limit for city- and county-level local governments based on the rate of increase for both population and inflation.

In the last legislative session, the state Legislature adopted a similar spending limit for future state spending.

This issue remains a legislative priority of TFR, and we believe that Texas taxpayers cannot hope to both get tangible property tax relief and a viable path to the elimination of such a tax without also tackling runaway spending at the local government level. The state imposes spending limits on itself; it is only fitting that local governments, which are created by the state, do the same. Government should only exist to the extent of the population it serves.

Near the beginning of the ongoing legislative session, Cain also filed legislation seeking to use the existing budget surplus and future surpluses to put Texas on a path to the elimination of property tax.

What Is Next?

Lawmakers have until Friday, March 10 (Day 60), to file legislation that can be considered as a part of the ongoing 88th Legislative Session. The 140-day legislative session ends on Monday, May 29.

Concerned taxpayers can contact their lawmakers.

Texans for Fiscal Responsibility relies on the support of private donors across the Lone Star State in order to promote fiscal responsibility and pro-taxpayer government in Texas. Please consider supporting our efforts! Thank you!

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