() Texas is at the center of a fight over whether state leaders or local communities get to decide budget priorities and solve problems.
The debate is over who controls the purse strings and what cities and counties can spend money on.
Republican lawmakers want the authority to cut off funding to cities if their priorities and programs don’t align with state laws. They’re trying to keep “left-leaning” policies from being enacted on the local level.
Senate Bill 2058 would give the state the power to control what gets funded in cities and counties across Texas. The bill’s supporters say this is the best way to crack down on communities that are breaking state law.
“Despite the legislation, it has become clear that some cities and counties are still ignoring state laws, and a stronger enforcement mechanism is needed,” said Republican Sen. Brandon Creighton.
The list of laws or programs Republicans are taking issue with includes financial assistance for the needy, measures to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, DEI initiatives and decriminalizing small amounts of drugs like marijuana.
Some Republicans even want to restrict how cities install bike and bus lanes.
Democrats are pushing back, saying local governments should be allowed to use their funds however they see fit.
“Whether the county is in the wrong or in the right, they will be deprived of the revenue to which they’re entitled, their own sales taxes,” said Democratic Senator Nathan Johnson.
If this bill does become law, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton would have the ability to sue cities and counties that potentially violate city laws that violate state laws.
