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
Local Government TWIA’s Expanding Reach Raises Fresh Concerns TWIA has become the leading wind and hail insurer in the catastrophe area. Its position has direct and indirect consequences for Texans statewide. Key points: Since 2020, TWIA has steadily increased its market share in the catastrophe area, raising concerns about scope and cost. TWIA’s quasi-governmental model imposes potential costs on statewide policyholders and private... September 15, 2026
Taxes & Spending Eliminating the School M&O Property Tax Texas has some of the highest property taxes in the nation. In 2014, the Tax Foundation reported that Texas had the sixth highest effective property tax rate. In 2016, more than 5,100 local tax jurisdictions levied $56.1 billion in property taxes, or $2,000 on average for every Texan—man, woman, and child. And property taxes continue... September 1, 2018