Bill
SB 18
85(1) - 2017
Senate Committee on Government Reform, Select
Senate Committee on Government Reform, Select
Vote Recommendation
Yes
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Neutral
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Positive
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Neutral
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Positive
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Positive
Author(s)
Craig Estes
Bill Caption
Relating to a limit on local government expenditures.
Fiscal Notes
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
Bill Analysis
This bill would enact a cap on the rate of growth of municipal spending. The spending growth rate would be capped at population growth times inflation. A local government would be permitted to exceed the spending cap if approved by local voters at an election called for that purpose. Funds from voter approved bonds, as well as gifts, grants, and donations would not be included in the amount of total spending for the purposes of the cap.
Vote Recommendation Notes
Texas has a massive and growing local debt problem. Reform is needed in order to prevent this problem from growing out of control. This bill upholds the principles of individual liberty, property rights, and limited government by placing controls on the rate of local spending which will consequently restrain the accumulation of debt and corresponding tax increases. For these reasons we support SB 18.
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