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.
Bypassed by the Miracle
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.
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Bypassed by the Miracle
Swelling School Districts Find a Costly Way to Grow Within State Debt Limits
Leander and other fast-growing school districts have relied heavily on a controversial financing tool called capital appreciation bonds to borrow money to expand even as they bump up against state limits on school district debt.
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Bypassed by the Miracle
Critics Say Bond Elections Lack True Transparency
Texas voters approve billions of dollars in new local debt each year. A growing group of critics argues that voters wouldn’t be so agreeable if they were more clearly informed of the debt that’s already owed in their name.
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Bypassed by the Miracle
Local Debt Climbs as Cities Deal With Growth
Texas cities, counties and school districts are relying more on debt to maintain services in a fast-growing state. While critics argue communities need to work harder to live within their means, local officials say the issue is not that simple.
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Bypassed by the Miracle
Local Debt Explorer
Texas counties, cities and school districts have more than $100 billion in debt that’s backed by a pledge of local property taxes. Use our Local Debt Explorer to find out how much tax-supported debt is held in your community.
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Bypassed by the Miracle
For Many Texans, Miracle Economy Doesn’t Apply
State leaders tout the so-called Texas miracle – the idea that the economy here is thriving thanks to their small-government approach. But not everyone benefits. Here are the stories of six Texans who’ve found little relief in the Texas miracle.
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Bypassed by the Miracle
In West Texas, Energy Bills Show Unexpected Costs of Drilling Boom
In West Texas, oil and gas development is surging, but it’s also fueling a huge demand for electricity that the current infrastructure struggles to meet. The result? A congested grid and higher electricity bills for consumers.
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Bypassed by the Miracle
In Texas, Thousands Lose Cars Amid Calls for Restrictions on Loans
State leaders in business-friendly Texas have been reluctant to put new limits on any industry, and a lack of regulation is being acutely felt by the low-income borrowers to whom the payday and auto-title lending industry most often caters.
