Education policy in the 83rd Texas Legislature

May 29, 2013

James Golsan

If the 83rd Texas Legislature’s work on education policy could be distilled to two words, those would probably be “missed opportunities.” We begin our recap of the session that was – and wasn’t – with TPPF education policy analyst James Golsan.

Fending Off Foreign Funding

On Tuesday, the Texas Public Policy Foundation had the honor of hosting Governor Greg Abbott for a press event on the future of Texas education. The Governor announced new plans to thwart the creeping influence of hostile foreign actors and radical ideological networks in Texas’ K-12 public schools. His proposals included prohibiting foreign entities from using gifts,...

August 20, 2026

Criminal Justice

Safer Communities Through Second Chances: The Case for Federal Expungement

When criminal records follow people forever, families struggle, employers lose workers, and communities lose productive citizens. Federal law offers almost no path to redemption, even though second chances strengthen public safety and the economy. Key Points The federal expungement system is effectively nonexistent. Permanent criminal records for non-violent federal offenses undermine work opportunities, family stability,...

September 15, 2026

K-12 Education

Texas Spends Billions on Public Schools. Where Does the Money Go?

Texans paid nearly $105 billion last year to support public schools. They expect that money to go towards providing students with a quality education, not to merely employ adults or line the pockets of outside consultants and contractors. If Texas wants a school system that is focused on effective education and not the appearance of...

August 28, 2026

James Golsan

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Fending Off Foreign Funding

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Texas Spends Billions on Public Schools. Where Does the Money Go?