1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong opposition to Governor Abbott's threats against the San Marcos City Council for proposing a resolution to redirect $4,434,675 in local tax dollars from Israel to domestic priorities. The governor's characterization of this fiscally responsible proposal as antisemitic is both inaccurate and deeply troubling. San Marcos residents have every right to determine how their tax money is spent. The proposed resolution would redirect over $4 million toward essential local needs like addiction services and education rather than funding military operations in occupied Palestine. This is not antisemitism. This is local governance and fiscal accountability. Governor Abbott's letter threatens to terminate state grants and block future funding if San Marcos exercises its democratic right to prioritize constituent needs. This punitive approach punishes 67,000 residents for seeking control over their own tax dollars. The irony is stark: Texas leaders who champion local control and fiscal conservatism are now threatening a city for attempting to practice exactly those principles. The governor claims San Marcos would violate Texas law prohibiting governmental entities from boycotting Israel in contracts worth $100,000 or more. However, a city council resolution redirecting local tax funds to address domestic crises is not a contract boycott. It is a policy decision about resource allocation. Many Texans were surprised to learn that cities across the state send taxpayer dollars to Israel at all, particularly when local infrastructure, education, and public health needs remain unmet. Since January, the Trump administration has sent $12 billion to Israel. Meanwhile, Texas communities struggle with underfunded schools, inadequate mental health services, and crumbling infrastructure. San Marcos residents deserve the right to prioritize their own community without facing retaliation from the state. I urge you to oppose Governor Abbott's threats against San Marcos and support the city's right to allocate local tax revenue according to the needs and values of its residents. Local communities should control local dollars.