Health Care

Despite Large Bipartisan Majority, Hospitals Trying to Beat Back Price Transparency

Thirty-four state hospital associations penned a letter to Health and Human Services requesting a delay of the implementation requirement of transparent prices as ordered by the Trump administration. Their request, according to their letter, contends that they’re busy managing the COVID-19 pandemic. But they show their hand when they add, “we hope that you will agree that advancing this...

July 16, 2020

Energy & Environment

Black Lives Matter and the Green Movement are Incompatible

Recent fatal encounters between African Americans and police officers have focused new attention on the recurring issue of institutional racism affecting Black communities. Among the inequalities that have been brought into question, “environmental injustice” has been at the forefront. It has compelled environmental advocacy groups to express solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement; however,...

July 14, 2020

Health Care

Oh, Canada: Should the US emulate Canada’s National Health Service?

While progressives in the U.S. continue to push for government-run health care, the Province of Alberta’s government this week cleared the way for a health omnibus bill that seeks to privatize its health care system. The Canadian system is often touted as a model for the U.S. to follow; Sen. Bernie Sanders, for example, applauded the Canadian system during a...

July 11, 2020

K-12 Education

COVID highlights need for more choices in education

Everything is different now. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we interact, how we conduct business and how we recreate. Public education will also have to change. We have an opportunity now to ensure that it changes for the better — that Texas schoolkids can learn in the way that suits them best, whether it’s...

July 10, 2020

Criminal Justice

The Police Union’s Impact on Public Policy

Recently, an arbitrator ruled that Sgt. Brian Miller of the Broward County Sheriff’s Office should be reinstated, receive full back pay of nearly $275,000, and regain seniority status despite being fired from the department. Miller’s employment was terminated after he failed to adequately respond to the 2018 school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School...

July 9, 2020

Local Government

Texas’ 5 Largest Cities Owe Almost $60 Billion

Texas’ largest cities are drowning in debt. The latest data from the Bond Review Board reveals that Texas’ five most populated cities owe a combined $57.7 billion. Here is how they compare individually. Big City Debt Austin: $10.5 billion Dallas: $7 billion Fort Worth: $2.7 billion Houston: $20.2 billion San Antonio: $17.3 billion There are...

July 9, 2020

Criminal Justice

‘Co-Responding’ to Mental Health 911 Calls Will Benefit All

The recent White House executive order on policing and proposed legislation by Republican Sen. Tim Scott tap into a national consensus that we must do more to address crises involving people with mental illness. Minneapolis City Council President Lisa Bender said the desire to call the police “comes from a place of privilege,” but in so many...

July 9, 2020

Other

National Garden of American Heroes

When the carving began at Mount Rushmore in 1927, Thomas Jefferson’s visage was planned to be to George Washington’s right. But sculptors soon discovered a flaw—a crack in the rock—that altered their plans. Jefferson had to be relocated, this time to Washington’s left. To me, it seemed like the media covering President Trump’s speech at that...

July 9, 2020

Higher Education

A Better Solution for Student Loan Defaults

Student debt and the accompanying difficulties students have in repaying their loans is garnering increasing attention, especially as the coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc with the job market. Many students who struggle often default on their debt, with dire financial consequences. While the CARES act provided short term relief by letting students suspend payments until...

July 8, 2020

Energy & Environment

ERCOT’s Phantom Reserve Margins Spell Trouble for Summertime

Even with the economic slowdown caused by the coronavirus, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) reports Texans will need more power than ever this summer. News headlines claim wind and solar projects will help Texas meet its growing power needs. However, recent experience says Texans should be skeptical about giving credit to renewables, especially...

July 8, 2020

Criminal Justice

The False Choice Between ‘Progressive’ and ‘Old-Fashioned’ Prosecutors

In football, when a flag is thrown only on the player who retaliates against an initial violation that was missed, the penalty is still enforced. If we say two wrongs don’t make a right for athletes or our children, the same should apply in our criminal justice system. Unfortunately, we are presented with a false...

July 7, 2020

Energy & Environment

Transportation and Climate Initiative: the wrong idea at the wrong time

Late last year, 12 East Coast states were heralded as climate heroes for proposing a new Transportation and Climate Initiative, supposedly a groundbreaking new approach to stop catastrophic climate change. In reality, it’s nothing more than a poorly disguised gas tax that will have literally no environmental benefit. And it’s a bad idea at any...

July 7, 2020