San Marcos, Texas — Residents of this growing college town recently discovered a shocking reality: over $4.4 million of their federal taxpayer dollars were being sent annually to fund Israel's military, according to estimates cited in local discussions. While potholed roads go unfixed, schools struggle with budget deficits, and needs like housing, healthcare, and addiction recovery go unmet, city council members proposed a bold, symbolic resolution.
The resolution called for:
- An immediate, permanent ceasefire in Gaza
- An arms embargo on Israel amid allegations of humanitarian crises
- Recognition of Palestinian rights and sovereignty
- Reallocating those funds back home to American priorities
Importantly, the measure explicitly condemned all bigotry — including antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Palestinian rhetoric. This wasn't hate; it was a plea for common-sense priorities: Texans first.
A Texas town found out they were sending Israel $4 MILLION DOLLARS A YEAR, and then tried to stop that, putting the money toward local needs — but the Governor said “no, that’s antisemitic and against the law.”
— ĐⱤØ₲Ø🇺🇸 (@KAGdrogo) December 28, 2025
They have to pay Israel millions every year.pic.twitter.com/R5X9p79WwT
Abbott's Heavy-Handed Response
Governor Greg Abbott responded swiftly and harshly. In an April 29, 2025 letter to San Marcos Mayor Jane Hughson, he condemned the proposal as "antisemitic" and "pro-Hamas," claiming it violated Texas' 2017 anti-BDS law prohibiting government entities from supporting boycotts of Israel.
Abbott threatened to:
- Terminate existing state grants
- Block all future funding
- Review and potentially revoke active agreements
He declared: "Anti-Israel policies are anti-Texas policies." The governor's office even began reviewing grants to determine compliance, putting millions in local infrastructure and services at risk.
Latest Update (May 2025): Facing intense pressure, including threats from both Gov. Abbott and the Texas Attorney General's office, the San Marcos City Council rejected the resolution after nearly seven hours of emotional public comments. The final vote was 5-2 against adoption on May 6, 2025. Read the full report: San Marcos council votes down controversial Israel resolution - Express-News (May 7, 2025).
The Bigger Question: Whose Side Is Texas On?
Abbott champions "America First" when redirecting Ukraine aid to border security — yet questioning aid to Israel (the largest recipient of U.S. foreign assistance) becomes punishable. Why is loyalty to a foreign nation mandatory for Texas towns, while putting local Texans first draws state retaliation?
This isn't about antisemitism — the resolution condemned it outright. It's about whether small-town America can still demand accountability for how their hard-earned tax dollars are spent abroad while communities crumble at home.
San Marcos stood up... and got slapped down. But the debate is far from over. When does "America First" actually mean American citizens first?
Sources: Official Texas Governor's letter (April 29, 2025), San Marcos City Council records, and multiple reports including Austin American-Statesman and Express-News.