America’s growing spate of addiction and overdose deaths related to prescription and illicit opioids began almost 40 years ago with the formation of a slow-growing fissure among members of the medical community about limitations on the use of opioids for pain relief. This reluctance to use opioids for non-cancer pain completely dissolved by the time OxyContin—a new and potent opioid painkiller—hit the market for pain management. It was purported to feature low risk for addiction, which proved to be inaccurate.
Taxes & Spending
Supermajority Solutions for Texas Taxpayers
Texas bond elections often pass with low voter turnout and simple majorities, driving up local debt as a result. Raising voter approval thresholds could protect taxpayers and ensure a stronger consensus for public spending. Key points: Even though tax relief has been funded at the state level, increased debt at the local level has led...
February 3, 2026