Over the last few months, local property taxes have been described as: “steep,” “burdensome,” “stressful,” “too high,” and “out-of-control.” Yet despite these sharp (and accurate!) criticisms of Texas’ property tax, many local governments seem oblivious to the system’s excesses, as evidenced by the adoption of high tax rates this year (see TPPF’s Taxman Cometh series) as well as historical tax, spending, and debt patterns. Worse, what once may have been excused as indifference or detachment now borders on exploitation. Consider some recent revelations about local government compensation. ...
You should break up with your boyfriend. Not your real, human boyfriend—your AI boyfriend. Recent media coverage and cultural moments have brought renewed attention to how people are forming relationships with artificial intelligence, and how we ought to think about these rapidly developing technologies. A recent Prime Video series, “Scarpetta,” offers a striking fictional example....
When teachers inflate grades — giving higher marks than students’ actual performance warrants — the effects ripple far beyond the classroom. Increasingly widespread high school grade inflation can cost students more than $200,000 in lost earning potential per teacher per year, finds a groundbreaking new study. Authored by Jeffrey T. Denning, Rachel Nesbit, Nolan Pope,...
When I was in college, I passed the César Chávez statue every day on my walk to class at the University of Texas. Now, César Chávez is the name of the road I take to work. For years, Chávez was presented as the figurehead for Mexican Americans, a symbol we were expected to revere. But...
Every Friday morning I join the Cardle & Woolley Show on Talk1370 Radio in Austin to announce the week’s Winners & Losers. In a weekend with long lines at every airport and record heat predicted, here’s who made the list. WINNER: 7 Countries Unite for Strait of Hormuz Coalition Seven nations have signed a letter...
New SNAP Rules What to know: New rules for SNAP—food stamps—go into effect in Texas today. SNAP can no longer be used to purchase candy and sodas. The TPPF take: Allowing SNAP dollars to be used for soda and candy weakens the program’s purpose. “It does not promote healthy habits among welfare recipients and diverts taxpayer dollars...
Funny Business What to know: Barbers Hill ISD finds itself entangled in another controversy involving its handling of taxpayer money. New reports suggest the district is “set to collect three times the market rate for a new building it will lease out to Lee College, all of which will be paid by local taxpayers.” The TPPF take: There’s a...
Keep Austin Affordable What to know: Austin affordability was a big topic at the recent South by Southwest Festival. The TPPF take: Austin could become more affordable by ceasing to charge residents unconstitutional fees, such as the Transportation User Fee. “When a city wants to impose new taxes, it needs to hold an election so taxpayers have a say...
The EPA’s 2025 decision to rescind the 2009 Endangerment Finding is being called one of the largest deregulatory actions in US history. But what exactly is the Endangerment Finding, and why do supporters say this change matters for American families and businesses? In this Fast Facts breakdown, we explain the 16-year history of greenhouse gas...
Since it has been unable to pass new gun restrictions through the legislative process, President Biden’s Administration is intentionally ignoring and misinterpreting well-established law to shut down lawfully operating gun dealers. TPPF Senior Attorney Matt Miller breaks down how this backdoor scheme works and explains TPPF’s lawsuit to restore Americans’ legal right to purchase firearms.
Illegal activity that harms the U.S. is coming from Mexico in much the same way as it does from other corrupt individuals in other countries the U.S. currently sanctions. Texas should compile a list of corrupt Mexican elites and request the federal government to deny them entry to the U.S. or revoke their visas. Read...
Every Friday morning, I join the Cardle & Woolley Show on Talk1370 Radio in Austin to announce the week’s Winners & Losers. There was an overnight deal in the Senate to fund most of the Department of Homeland Security, including the TSA workers, so if the House follows that lead, hopefully, nobody will have to...
Every Friday morning I join the Cardle & Woolley Show on Talk1370 Radio in Austin to announce the week’s Winners & Losers. In a weekend with long lines at every airport and record heat predicted, here’s who made the list. WINNER: 7 Countries Unite for Strait of Hormuz Coalition Seven nations have signed a letter...
Every Friday morning I join the Cardle & Woolley Show on Talk 1370 Radio in Austin to announce the week’s Winners & Losers. It is Friday the 13th and oil is going for over $100 a barrel this morning, but some good things are happening too. Here’s who made the list: WINNER: Day 14-Epic Fury...
Every Friday morning, I join the Cardle & Woolley Show on Talk 1370 Radio in Austin to announce the week’s Winners & Losers. As we wade through the fog of war and analyze who really did win and lose in Tuesday’s primary election, here’s who made the list: WINNER: Trump’s Epic Fury It was almost a...