Many states are demanding more money from the federal government to deal with the COVID-19 situation. But providing even more bailout money to states would mean inappropriately supporting years of poor fiscal management and incentivizing unnecessary government lockdowns. Ultimately, bailing out states means less money in our pockets at a time when many of us...
As of February, the US is in a recession, and Texas is no different. While the cause is different than prior recessions, people’s financial struggles are the same. With the voluntary social distancing and forced disruptions by state and local governments due to COVID-19, economic activity has collapsed, people have lost their jobs, and employers...
This has been a wild year. For me, my family moved last year from our beloved Texas to Virginia for my job with the extraordinary folks at the White House. While there, I helped write the president’s budget that found taxpayer savings of a record $4.6 trillion over a decade, made permanent the Trump tax cuts, noted...
Could you have imagined, just a few short months ago when we had one of the best U.S. economies on record, that we would be facing one of the worst today? It’s difficult to do. But the disruptions caused by fear of COVID-19 and the shutdowns ordered by state and local governments have dramatically changed...
During most of my time at the White House over the last year, America was experiencing one of the best labor markets ever. The White House called it a blue-collar boom. And they were right. Then the Wuhan Virus changed everything. As Americans became infected, the resulting fear brought the dynamic blue-collar boom to a...
Today, the Conservative Texas Budget Coalition announces a recap of how the Texas Legislature did in achieving their key fiscally conservative priorities this session. The 2020-21 Texas budget of $243.7 billion, which excludes funds to Harvey recovery and property tax relief, increases by 12.5 percent above the 2018-19 appropriations. This amount means this budget is...
This presentation provides information about Texas’ economy, labor market, and fiscal situation and key public policies that would increase individual liberty and economic prosperity.
The Texas Legislature is in the final stages of passing a budget that will determine whether Texans get real property tax relief or whether our property taxes will keep skyrocketing year after year. The good news is that there is a simple solution. If your elected officials commit $2.3 billion from the Senate’s version of...
The Texas economy is the envy of the country. Businesses flock here because of our educated workforce, low regulatory environment, and relatively low tax burden. Individuals and families come for the opportunities and quality of life an economically healthy, wealthy, and prosperous society provide. Texas leaders routinely tout the state’s success, and it’s justified. For...
“A rising tide lifts all boats.” Jack Kemp understood that economic growth was the key to human flourishing. This is achieved with an institutional framework that provides economic opportunities for people across the income spectrum. This happens best in free market capitalism. Socialism, on the other hand, fails everyone. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)...
High taxes are always and everywhere a government spending problem. This point is a good reminder for the 86th Texas Legislature because the actions so far include too much government spending and little to no tax relief. Without spending restraint, tax relief efforts will fail like they did in Kansas and Louisiana. The 18 groups...
One of the most difficult challenges facing occupational license holders in America is the lack of reciprocity. If license holders move to another state, their licenses don’t follow them, due to differing requirements. This can cause upheaval for any family. The loss of income for a parent can be detrimental to a family. Training requirements...