ICYMI: New Report on Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying When private parties desire to make public policy changes in our modern democratic society, they have a constitutionally-protected right to “lobby” their legislators to try to influence their decisions. But while individuals, businesses, trade groups, unions, and other special interests have a right to free speech, should government also...
We have such short memories. Relating to today’s debate about fossil fuels versus renewable fuels, here is what The Times of London said in 1866 about a similar debate over coal versus renewables: Coal is everything to us. Without coal, our factories will become idle, our foundries and workshops be still as the grave; the...
At a climate conference in Washington, D.C., about a month after the presidential election, Brooke Rollins was in a celebratory mood. “We are winning, and a couple of years ago, it didn’t seem possible,” she said. “Most people thought it was going to be a really sad and dark and unfortunate time for the...
Governors are known for cutting ribbons to celebrate new employers coming to their state, but it is rare for a governor to remove the scarlet letter from someone convicted of a crime. Speaking on the American principle of second chances at the Governors’ Justice Series, Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin and Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds...
Health care is a little like Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express” — a new version, directed by and starring Kenneth Branagh, is now in theaters, and, as in the film, there are many suspects. Who murdered the U.S. health care system? The most obvious suspect — ObamaCare — isn’t the real killer,...
This issue of Veritas, the quarterly publication of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, features: the future of liberty in Texas, preserving liberty: knowing when to stand and fight, all hands on deck for Texas foster children. Also in this issue: Millennials misplaced trust in government health care, leading, fostering, and modeling family life: The Vim Head...
One thing is very clear about Kathleen Hartnett White, President Trump’s nominee to chair the White House’s Council on Environmental Quality: She’s eminently qualified for the position, having chaired the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality under then-Gov. Rick Perry. As the executive vice president of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, I have the privilege of...
The “administrative state” has been in the news of late. Few Americans can define it though. The administrative state describes a form of government that uses an extensive professional class to provide oversight over government, the economy and society. It stands in stark contrast to a representative democracy with limited powers and reach. The...
Occurring largely behind the scenes, President Trump’s most significant contribution to a more prosperous America is also his least understood: his assault on the administrative state. The administrative state is the manifestation of a form of government that invests power in an unelected bureaucracy that can write the rules, enforce the rules and sit...
Austin is in the throes of a government-induced affordability crisis, and it’s prompting some at city hall to take action. Earlier this month, the Austin city council approved the Family Homestead Initiative, a “resolution [that] calls for the city to identify all the regulations and costs associated with the process” of building and remodeling homes....
Every year, Americans spend about $750 billion dollars for gasoline and electricity—about 4 percent of the economy—with roughly equal amounts spent to fuel vehicles vs. keeping the lights on and running our factories. Where you live significantly affects how much you pay for these basic energy commodities. Excepting Alaska and Hawaii due to their...
Each year in November, the nation pauses to recognize those who have served in the military and sacrificed to protect this country. But truly thanking our veterans must consist of more than parades and ceremonies. In addition to providing health care to our veterans, the country has an obligation to ensure that veterans gain...