Energy & Environment
India’s Signature to Climate Change Treaty Fraught With Peril
The power sector is too fundamental to economic growth to dismiss pragmatic, cost-effective solutions.
November 10, 2016
K-12 Education
Who Should Decide What is Best for Your Child?
While Texas is a leader on many fronts, it is sadly behind on education reform. The Texas Supreme Court called upon lawmakers to “upend an ossified regime ill-suited for 21st century Texas” and the Legislature holds the key to unlocking parents’ ability to improve the educational welfare of millions of Texas children. Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) provide an exciting opportunity for Texas children and for the quality of life of future Texans.
November 10, 2016
Taxes & Spending
Should Federal Funds Drive Texas’ Rainy Day Fund Cap?
As the calendar year inches its way to a close, the 2017 Texas Legislature is primed to start session in January with an increasingly tight budget brought on partially by the slowdown of the oil industry. This has created a buzz around the state regarding spending money from the state’s Economic Stabilization Fund (ESF), often...
November 8, 2016
Taxes & Spending
San Antonio Borrows Big for Public Art
Certificates of Obligation, or COs, let local governments issue debt without voter approval. They are supposed to give officials a way to cope with emergencies, like natural disasters; but, as I’ve argued in the past, COs are increasingly used as a way for officials to spend on feel-good projects or things that voters would never...
November 7, 2016
Taxes & Spending
Government shouldn’t fund waterslides, dog parks
The city of Amarillo wants voters to approve a big new bond package — but is it really needed or are officials confusing wants with needs?
November 3, 2016
Economy
Where Clinton And Trump Stand On Transportation
Transportation and infrastructure policy hasn’t gotten much attention so far in the 2016 election cycle, but the two major party candidates have put forth plans.
November 3, 2016
Higher Education
The University Of California’s Censor In Sheep’s Clothing
Give them a dog-and-pony show. Praise free speech at the same time that you seek to justify learning-killing restrictions on same.
November 2, 2016
Economy
State Pension Systems Want Your Retirement Savings To Bail Them Out
Beware of liberal politicians demanding your money to help you—it will only end badly.
October 31, 2016
Family
Putting Texas foster kids first
Children thrive in families, not foster care. The State should reinforce, rather than replace, the instinctive desire to care for children.
October 31, 2016
Taxes & Spending
Some Truly Frightening Figures…
The growing gap between the pension promises being made and the money on hand to make good on those promises is one of Texas’ most pressing problems, as already evidenced in places like Houston and Dallas. Inaction is quickly becoming a luxury the state doesn’t have.
October 31, 2016
Higher Education
College Degrees — In Double Standards — At UW-Madison
Over the last few weeks, the First Amendment has gotten schooled at the flagship public university of Wisconsin. The Orwellian lesson being taught its students is this: All have equal First Amendment rights. But some have rights that are more equal than others.
October 31, 2016
Criminal Justice
Police-Collected Fines, Fees, And Forfeitures: How Does Your City Rank?
“And we was fined fifty dollars and had to pick up the garbage… in the snow.” Arlo Guthrie – Alice’s Restaurant
October 26, 2016