Texas Local Government Debt Soars to $552 Billion
Texas Policy Texas Policy

Texas Local Government Debt Soars to $552 Billion

New data shows a dramatic increase in local government debt last year, which drove property taxes higher and worsened the cost-of-living crisis. 

According to the Bond Review Board’s latest estimates, the total amount owed by cities, counties, school districts, and special districts rose to nearly $552 billion in fiscal year (FY) 2025. Shockingly, that massive sum is more than $52 billion higher than the prior year’s amount. 

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Texas Policy Texas Policy

How education foundations spend public funds

For lawmakers, parents, and students across the Lone Star State, the direction of public education remains a fraught issue. Many continue to voice concerns about administrative bloat, curriculum choices, palatial facilities, and misspending of every type. In this vein, a new controversy may be on the verge of erupting involving Independent School Districts (ISDs) and the opaque education foundations (EFs) that support them. The cozy relationship and monetary exchanges between these two groups has many people asking questions.

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Texas Policy Texas Policy

Preserving the Texas Miracle

Texas did not become America’s economic engine by accident. The Texas Miracle is built on a regulatory and economic framework that expands the freedom of families and businesses. Every legislative session, state leaders work to fortify that framework and reduce the burden of government to keep Texas the best place in the nation to work, raise a family, and run a business.

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Texas Policy Texas Policy

These are Texas’ Top 10 Most Expensive High School Football Stadiums

Texas is home to some of the most opulent high school football stadiums in the U.S. In fact, according to one recent ranking, the Lone Star State is home to 8 of the 10 most expensive stadiums nationwide, with only Ohio’s Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium ($175.8 million, inflation-adjusted) and Georgia’s Phillip Beard Stadium ($62 million) making the list.

Given Texas public education’s penchant for pricey stadiums, it’s only fitting to ask—which one(s) cost taxpayers the most?

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Texas Policy Texas Policy

Bond Election Reflections

On November 4th, 2025, numerous elections were held across Texas, providing voters with an opportunity to let their voices be heard on tax and spending measures. While the data is still coming in, there are some indications that voters were in no mood for reckless tax increases or growing government unnecessarily.


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