Proponents argue that economic development incentives – such as tax credits – provide a multitude of benefits to taxpayers and society at large. This apparent popularity could be due to the perception that government subsidies effectively “have no downside and cost taxpayers nothing.” However, this is simply not the case. Tax breaks do in fact have a downside and impose a huge cost to the taxpayer. For instance, when looking at renewable energy subsidies in the State of Texas, “we estimate the total cost to taxpayers and consumers of these subsidies in Texas from 2006 to 2029 to be $36 billion.”
Lawmakers tout “cooperation” and “unity” but leave conservative activists disappointed in failures to pass key priorities.
How was the 86th Texas Legislative Session?
Well, if you talk to legislators themselves, it was the best ever. That is based on how they feel more than anything else. There was far more “cooperation” and “unity” than before; everybody was nicer to each other throughout this session. The fights were minimal from the outside.
So, everything is great, right?
Not exactly. We don’t send these folks to Austin to be a tax-funded social club; we send them there to get things done. So, let’s move away from feelings and look at facts and accomplishments. Did they accomplish more?
