Taxes & Spending
Testimony: Economic Benefits of Margin Tax Repeal
Dr. Vance Ginn, TPPF economist, testifies before the Senate Finance Committee in support of SB 105.
March 4, 2015
Taxes & Spending
Ginn: Tax battle brews at Texas Capitol
Though many battles are cast in a negative light, this fight over providing the most tax relief among the governor, Senate leaders and House leaders benefits Texans.
March 3, 2015
Other
Kill the margins tax
Research shows that business taxes are the worst because of their economic costs on income and job growth. Dollars taken from employers simply leave less for pay raises and new jobs, thereby slowing economic activity and impoverishing citizens — particularly the working poor.
March 3, 2015
Criminal Justice
Fish case a victory against overcriminalization: column
On Thursday, for the first time, the word "overcriminalization" appeared in the body of a U.S. Supreme Court opinion.
March 3, 2015
Other
Texas Senate’s “tax week” provides tax debate
Although no one likes to pay taxes, they are an inevitable part of funding core government functions. As such, the Texas Legislature’s challenge is to develop an efficient tax system that provides necessary revenue while doing the least economic harm.
March 3, 2015
Higher Education
COMMENTARY: The Texas legislature looks to lift college grading standards
As Texas, the nation’s second largest state, moves through its biennial legislative session, a simple, short transparency bill has been proposed in both houses that would lift the veil hiding a little-known but nonetheless devastating crisis in higher education—grade inflation.
March 2, 2015
Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice Reform: it’s time to tackle America’s jail problem
Too many Americans are being deprived of their liberty, held in jail when they shouldn’t be, and the result is out-of-control local government spending on ineffective criminal justice systems—funds that could be better put to use elsewhere.
March 2, 2015
Economy
Trolling the FCC
Angered over the net neutrality ruling, Verizon issued a statement in Morse code, complaining that the "FCC's 'Throwback Thursday' move imposes 1930s rules on the Internet." Whatever you may think about the FCC's ruling, let's at least all concede Verizon succeeded in trolling (nay shaming) the government with class.
February 27, 2015
Other
Tax relief battle brewing in Austin
On Tuesday, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Senate leaders unveiled a $4.6 billion package for sweeping tax relief. The package consists of three bills: SB 1 and SB 7, filed by Senate Finance Chair Jane Nelson, and SB 8, filed by Senator Schwertner. This package advances the showdown among state officials to see who...
February 27, 2015
K-12 Education
Dr. Laffer was right about school choice
The very best way, and perhaps the only way, to significantly improve our public schools is through school choice and, therefore, the magic of free enterprise dynamics.
February 26, 2015
Criminal Justice
Reducing inmates can reduce crime
While jails will always be necessary for public safety, only as a last resort should we trap defendants indefinitely behind the front door of the criminal justice system.
February 26, 2015
Health Care
COMMENTARY: Not all wounds are seen
With 1.7 million veterans calling Texas home — more than every other state except California — this is the place where bold policies designed to help brave military men and women can be a model for other states.
February 26, 2015