Bypassed by the Miracle is a weeklong series on the people and communities that have missed out on Texas’ economic success or are finding that it comes at a price. You can also read our related Falling Behind and Hurting For Work series. More in this series

In Red Texas, Local Governments Face Trickle-Down Taxes

The Republican battle cry in Texas? Lowering taxes and cutting government costs. But sometimes, belt-tightening at the state level translates into trickle-down costs for local governments.

Ben Philpott is a senior reporter for KUT-FM, Austin’s National Public Radio affiliate. He has been covering state politics and dozens of other topics for the station since 2002, during which time he...