Family Matters What to know: There’s a growing marriage gap; young men are more likely than young women to say that marriage and family are more important to their future. The TPPF take: Our culture is sending negative messages about getting married and having children. “Young Texans are being told by our culture and by misguided government...
Reading, Writing and Rioting? What to know: The student walkouts continue in Austin and elsewhere, as education leaders allow students to leave class to protest ICE. Often, school officials accompany them. The TPPF take: Students shouldn’t be collateral in adults’ political disputes. “Austin ISD Superintendent Matias Segura attempted to clean up the mess, but only created more questions,”...
Striking It Rich What to know: Some city workers are striking it rich. A new Austin American-Statesman analysis reveals more than 85 city workers’ total pay exceeded $250,000 last year, with the top paid employee (i.e., city manager) earning a whopping $538,608. This sky-high amount “makes him among the highest-paid city managers in the country.” The TPPF...
Education Freedom What to know: The Texas Comptroller’s Office is accepting families’ applications for Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFAs) from today until March 17. The TPPF take: This pivotal new program offers an unprecedented opportunity for parents and students across the state. “By placing decision-making power directly in the hands of families, we’re encouraging parental engagement in...
Booming What to know: More and more people are calling Texas home, according to newly-released Census Bureau data. “For the third year in a row, Texas’ population increased more than any other state.” The TPPF take: Freedom is popular. “Americans are voting with their feet and, by their actions, they’re signaling the popularity of low taxes and limited government....
Bad Ideas Keep Popping Up What to know: A socialist mayor has taken the reins in New York City. Zohran Mamdani declared “I will not abandon my principles for fear of being deemed radical.” The TPPF take: Like the proverbial groundhog, some ideas just keep popping their heads above-ground. Mamdani’s brand of socialism won’t work, either. ...
School Choice in the Lone Star State What to know: Families in Texas will soon be able to apply for the Texas Educational Freedom Accounts school choice program. The TPPF take: School choice is finally coming to Texas. “Eligible Texas children can receive public funds deposited into a personalized account to be used for approved education expenses,” says...
Stealing the Show What to know: President Donald Trump “stole the show” in Davos for the World Economic Forum last week, the Associated Press reports. The TPPF take: The highlight of Davos was Trump’s announcement on a deal with Greenland. “In the end, Trump gets the ‘W,’” says TPPF’s Sherry Sylvester. “He controlled the entire narrative and came away...
Where Does the Money Go? What to know: In Texas, public school education foundations are nonprofits that are supposed “to use extra funds in support of our school programs.” And they’re big business. The TPPF take: Too often, education foundations are opaque. “Current estimates suggest that EFs across Texas boast an estimated $9 billion in assets, employ 1,841 people...
Try, Try Again What to know: Efforts to ban taxpayer-funded lobbying failed in the last legislative special session. The TPPF take: TPPF is forming a coalition with other groups to renew efforts to ban this practice. “Cities, counties, school districts, and taxpayer-funded associations across Texas spend millions of public dollars hiring lobbyists and political operatives to influence...
A Bold Step Toward Lower Health Care Costs What to know: Yesterday, President Trump called on Congress to enact “The Great Healthcare Plan.” The TPPF take: President Trump’s proposed plan is a bold leap to restore agency and control to patients when it comes to their healthcare. “This plan represents a significant moment in the effort to...
Rising Electricity Prices? What to know: Experts say Texas electricity costs will continue to climb, in part due to higher transmission costs. The TPPF take: Transmission costs make up a larger and larger part of those rising price tags. “The average Texas household has seen transmission and distribution grow from 30% of their electric bill to 40%...