While the state of Texas has done a tremendous job with the budget, leading to a surplus, a new report found that -local- government debt across the state has reached $552 billion.
"These numbers continue to get worse, and worse, as cities, counties, and school districts put a lot on the taxpayer credit card" said James Quintero, policy director with the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
The reality is, Houston has a spending problem.
The city of Houston, Harris County, and HISD all owe a combined $30 billion dollars plus" Quintero told KTRH. The only solution he says, is for the Texas legislature to rein in local government spending.
"The Texas Public Policy Foundation continues to look at ways that government is growing excessively" noted Quintero, "Local debt tends to bring about a rise in property taxes."
The time has come for good government reforms aimed at promoting trust, transparency, and accountability.