Screens in School What to know: In 2009, Sweden replaced all of its school textbooks with laptops and tablet computers. Now, it’s spending $120 million to bring back books. The TPPF take: “EdTech” overpromises and under-delivers. “The amount of time students are spending glued to taxpayer-subsidized screens in the classroom is hard to determine, but one estimate puts it...
New Rules for SNAP What to know: More and more states are banning the purchase of junk food—sodas, energy drinks and candy—with SNAP benefits. Texas’ ban will go into effect April 1. But lawsuits have already been filed to overturn these new rules. The TPPF take: Lawsuits challenging SNAP nutrition waivers distract from the program’s original purpose. “SNAP...
An Illegal Tax What to know: On Monday, the Texas Public Policy Foundation filed a lawsuit against the city of Austin, challenging the legality of its Transportation User Fee (TUF). Per the lawsuit, “the TUF is not connected to a regulatory purpose and imposed on the public at large,” which therefore qualifies it as an illegal tax. The...
Small Town Thievery What to know: The city of Campbell, a small North Texas city located in Hunt County, recently uncovered nearly 150 unauthorized credit card purchases totaling around $30,000 spent on “TikTok Shop, weight loss drugs and more.” City officials are still unsure who is responsible for the misuse of taxpayer money. The TPPF take: Small towns are...
Out of This World What to know: The Texas Education Agency’s newly updated superintendent salary database reveals some eye-popping detail about public education pay. For instance, here’s the total pay for the top 3 highest grossing superintendents: Harlandale ISD, $655,737; Birdville ISD, $551,576; Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, $520,231. The TPPF take: No one should get rich from public service. “Many taxpayers...
Drive a Stake Through It What to know: Governor Abbott is calling for big property tax changes next session, with the goal of “driv[ing] a stake to the heart of property taxes in Texas.” The TPPF take: Texans continue to endure high property taxes, despite the best efforts of past Legislatures. The reason is a loose local environment. “Opportunistic...
SAVE Act What to know: The U.S. Senate has begun debating the SAVE Act, which would ensure election integrity. The TPPF take: Much of the national debate is focused on voter identification. “Voter ID laws require individuals to present identification when casting a ballot; this policy helps ensure elections are conducted fairly and securely,” says TPPF’s Josh Findlay. “The SAVE...
This Could Be the Day What to know: The U.S. Senate could vote on the SAVE Act today; it’s a set of election reforms that will help ensure that every valid vote counts. The TPPF take: Americans deserve to know that their votes count. “Much of the national debate is focused on voter identification,” says TPPF’s Josh Findlay. “Voter...
China is Spying What to know: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered state agencies to investigate possible cybersecurity risks in medical devices made in China. The TPPF take: Chinese spy tech could endanger American lives. “Texans understand that national security doesn’t stop at the border or the battlefield — it extends to the devices monitoring our loved ones in...
Dear Diary What to know: More and more teens are turning to artificial intelligence to express their struggles and feelings: “For many, AI has quietly become the new diary,” Teen magazine reports. The TPPF take: A diary doesn’t talk back, and it doesn’t influence its author. “Interactive systems that appear thoughtful, curious, and empathetic can shape the thinking...
Fraud and Abuse What to know: California is “ground zero” for health care fraud, according to the New York Post. The TPPF take: If you think the fraud in Minnesota is bad, wait until California’s fraud is fully uncovered. “The Golden State’s Covid-19 unemployment insurance debacle at the Employment Development Department was a masterclass in negligence: $177 billion...
School Choice in the Lone Star State What to know: More than 150,000 families have already applied for Texas Education Freedom Accounts, the school choice program passed by the Legislature last year. The TPPF take: High demand and participation show that Texas families want more freedom. “The sheer volume of applications in such a short period shows many Texas...