When you think of states with debt in the U.S., you usually start with blue states like California. But not only did most Texans vote Republican this past election, they also approved $28.7 billion in new debt.
"What that means is, we're going to see a lot of new tax increases moving forward, because new debt means new taxes" said James Quintero, policy director with the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
So while Texas remains primarily red, the big blue cities continue to spend a lot of green.
"A lot of folks don't realize though, is the state is doing it's part to lower taxes, but local governments are doing their part to raise taxes" Quintero told KTRH.
A total of 159 propositions were passed in Texas, mainly through bond elections.
"When you look at the latest data from the Bond Review Board (BRB), total local debt amounts to $461 billion dollars across the state" noted Quintero, "That's about $15,500 dollars owed for every man, woman, and child in the state."
With most of the money paid back, from property taxes.
Photo: Martinns / iStock / Getty Images
