Economy
Texas July jobs report update: 103 consecutive months
Texas’ 4.2 percent unemployment rate in July marks the 103rd straight month it has been at or below the U.S. average.
August 25, 2015
Higher Education
Houston U’s million dollar paycheck as students struggle with tuition
We are concerned by research showing that over the past 40 years the bulk of university budget increases have not gone to teaching and learning, but to administration.
August 25, 2015
Higher Education
Congress vs. campus speech restrictions
Fear, intimidation, and uniformity are usurping the free, robust inquiry and debate that is the lifeblood of a genuine institution of higher learning, undermining both academic truth-seeking and democracy, which depends on an informed citizenry.
August 25, 2015
Criminal Justice
Close the loophole on unjust civil asset forfeiture
Justice – fair play – as well as public confidence in law enforcement, is far too important an asset to throw away on continuing cash forfeitures under federal law.
August 22, 2015
Criminal Justice
Criminalizing poverty: How government works against the poor
If the new “Hauler for Hire” license only required payment of $100, the burden on the working poor might not be too onerous. But, licensing itself brings additional requirements.
August 21, 2015
K-12 Education
Money alone won’t help Texas’ public schools
Texans can hope that the court this time around will require public education to efficiently deliver our children to graduation without again running out of fuel.
August 20, 2015
Economy
What makes Texas the most small business-friendly state, and Rhode Island the least
Being unfriendly to business isn’t good for the economy.
August 18, 2015
Economy
You’re killing me: Regulations, government unions, and taxes squash small business
Texas and Utah were rated by small business owners as the best states for small business.
August 18, 2015
Economy
Hotel occupancy tax deters visitors
Austin has built its success on a reputation of quirky events and a population willing to settle somewhere new. As currently structured, the hotel occupancy tax deters visitors from enjoying either.
August 18, 2015
Economy
Scrap 3% proposed pay bump for Hidalgo Co. workers
Spending one-time monies — like those in the reserve fund, on recurring expenses — like salaries, is never a good approach.
August 17, 2015
Economy
Robbing Midland to pay Dallas and vice versa
The challenge is being able to afford the price of a hotel, especially when state and local governments insist on foisting heavy taxes on paid room accommodations because they believe it will spur economic growth at little cost to residents.
August 16, 2015
Taxes & Spending
The homeowner’s fight against the property tax
In the long run, the property tax should be replaced with a consumption-based tax. This would allow taxpayers to finally own their own home instead of paying rent forever to the government and provide a more efficient, discretionary tax to fund local government core functions.
August 14, 2015