88th LegislatureStatewide NewsTaxes & SpendingNew Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying Bans Filed in Texas Legislature
Brad JohnsonMarch 7, 2023
Two sessions in a row, legislation to ban taxpayer-funded lobbying has been killed by Republican House members.
HomeTagTexas Municipal League | The Texan
Criminal JusticeJudicialLocal NewsKemah Seeks Removal of Top Law Firm Amidst Legal Battles, Mayoral Controversies
Holly HansenNovember 21, 2022
Kemah City Council will consider asking the Texas Municipal League to remove a top law firm from all pending investigations and litigation.
87th LegislatureState HouseTaxes & SpendingVoter Approval for Property Tax Increases at Center of Texas House Committee Discussion
Brad JohnsonMarch 22, 2021
The House Ways and Means Committee considered two notable property tax-related bills, each amplifying the focus on voter consent for tax increases.
Local NewsStatewide NewsTaxes & Spending$22.6 Billion in Outstanding Debt Adds to Fiscal Strain on Texas Localities, Taxpayers
Brad JohnsonDecember 14, 2020
Intended to finance emergency needs that cannot wait for a ratifying election, political subdivisions in Texas have racked up billions in certificate of obligation debt.
87th LegislatureState HouseTaxes & SpendingTaxpayer-Funded Lobbying Ban Filed Ahead of the 87th Texas Legislative Session
Brad JohnsonDecember 8, 2020
A proposed ban on taxpayer-funded lobbying has gained new life ahead of the next session. The effort failed in 2019 after a Republican-led amendment exempted most of the state from the measure.
State HouseState SenateStatewide NewsTaxes & SpendingLawmakers Suggest Penalty for Localities Hiking Up Property Taxes with Loophole
Brad JohnsonJune 8, 2020
While the Texas Municipal League asserts localities are exempt from the new limits, state leaders maintain the opposite and are applying pressure to prevent increases in the first place.
Taxes & SpendingRepublican Leaders Oppose Disaster Property Tax Increases, Say Loophole Doesn’t Apply to Coronavirus-Related Damage
Brad JohnsonMay 21, 2020
With tax revenues declining, cities and counties may look to raise property taxes above the 3.5 percent threshold instituted by SB 2 thanks to a loophole in the law.
IssuesStatewide NewsTaxes & SpendingGovernments Slow to Match Sacrifices Texans are Making During the Coronavirus Lockdown
Bill PeacockApril 29, 2020
While businesses are having to make cuts to stay afloat, many governmental entities have not followed suit despite an impending revenue shortfall.
Taxes & SpendingAs Texas Local Debt Increases $11 Billion, School Districts Lead Local Taxing Entities in Amassed Debt
Brad JohnsonApril 3, 2020
Debt held by local governments substantially increased over the past few years, amounting to 80 percent of the total government debt in Texas.
HealthcareIssuesLocal NewsThink Tank Argues Austin’s Coronavirus Shelter Order Should Raise Concern, Local Governments Disagree
Brad JohnsonMarch 30, 2020
The City of Austin has been under a shelter order for almost a week, and critics of and advocates for the move have weighed in.
86th LegislatureLocal NewsState HouseState SenateStatewide NewsTaxes & SpendingSen. Bob Hall, Rep. Mayes Middleton Vow to Continue Fight Against Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying at TPPF Panel
Brad JohnsonJanuary 24, 2020
Sen. Hall and Rep. Middleton's bill in the 86th Legislature failed at the last minute, but Friday they stressed their commitment to pass taxpayer-funded lobbying legislation next session.
Local NewsState HouseStatewide NewsTaxes & SpendingLawmakers and Lobbyists Take Sides on $365 Billion in Local Government Debt
Brad JohnsonDecember 16, 2019
Stakeholders react to a new report by the Texas Public Policy Foundation showing the debt amassed by Texas' local governments.