AUSTIN — Today, the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office (TREO) released its initial findings and recommendations to cut unnecessary red tape at state agencies. TREO was established by SB 14 from the 89th Texas Legislature to spearhead the effort to cut red tape, streamline government, and ensure regulations serve Texans, not bureaucracies. SB 14 also reins in the administrative state by reforming how agencies create rules and telling Texans in plain English how to navigate them.
“TREO’s achievements are Texas’ gains. In only a short time, this innovative new division within the Governor’s office has examined 11 different agencies and identified nearly $125 million in potential savings. One can only imagine how much Texas taxpayers will save in time, money, and opportunity once all state agencies have come under review,” said Taxpayer Protection Project Campaign Director Jose Melendez.
“TREO’s potential is truly exciting, especially considering that the real burden of government isn’t found in the state capitol. It’s in our school boards, our city halls, and our county commissioner courts, where regulations amass, taxes ever-increase, and mandates pile up with little oversight. That may very well be the next frontier,” said Taxpayer Protect Project Policy Director James Quintero.
TREO’s early results suggest that it is poised to make a significant contribution to Texas’ limited government framework, once fully established. This is a very promising development.
Looking ahead, the 90th Legislature should consider expanding TREO’s mission to include state fiscal matters as well as local government affairs. Now more than ever, Texans have an opportunity to identify waste, fraud, and abuse in state-local government—and we should not miss the moment!