Human Trafficking What to know: Groups and agencies say there’s a direct link between social media and human trafficking. The TPPF take: Criminal cartels use social media to recruit for their operations. “Just last week, a 15-year-old led police on a high-speed chase in Mission, Texas, that ended with seven migrants bailing out of the vehicle on a dirt...
It Ain’t Easy Being Green What to know: The Biden administration has updated its green energy plans for transportation and other aspects of our lives. The TPPF take: The green energy agenda increases poverty, and it must stop. “While the media is constantly ringing alarm bells about the always-changing climate, not enough people are alarmed by the economic trade-offs...
Couples Counseling What to know: About one-fifth of Americans surveyed say they’re in favor of a “national divorce” over irreconcilable political differences between the states. The TPPF take: We don’t need a national divorce; we need to follow the Constitution. “When we follow it, our Constitution is well suited to achieve its Preamble’s enumerated ends, namely to: ‘…form a...
Dangers of TikTok What to know: Even as new research shows that 70% of American teenagers use the social media app TikTok, new information about the Chinese app’s dangers emerges. The TPPF take: Lawmakers must do more to protect children online. “Academic research and nearly daily tragic stories continue to demonstrate that the harms of social media on children...
Parent Empowerment Helps Everyone What to know: History shows that universal school choice mainly helps students who were not already in private school settings. The TPPF take: Universal school choice helps everyone. “Choice puts rural students on competitive ground with city kids because it results in more options,” says TPPF’s Mandy Drogin. “Florida started choice in 1999 and the number...
Higher and Higher What to know: The vaunted “transition” away from fossil fuels will cost Americans—a lot. The TPPF take: Too many American families already can’t afford their skyrocketing energy bills. “Why are American families facing this energy-driven inflationary spiral?” asks TPPF’s Jason Isaac. “Well, prices have surged because President Joe Biden’s policies essentially guaranteed they would surge. When there...
Empowering Parents What to know: Texans gathered in Austin on Tuesday in support of universal school choice. The TPPF take: Empowering parents to make the key decisions on their children’s educations benefits everyone involved. “Once parents are empowered with real choices, schools respond with new programs, improved curriculum, and a renewed focus on the quality of the education they...
Good Neighbors What to know: Empowering parents with universal school choice is just “what a good neighbor does,” according to former Democratic state Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr. The TPPF take: A strong majority of Texans—including Democrats—supports universal school choice. “The issue here is freedom,” says TPPF’s Mandy Drogin. “All parents, regardless of their financial ability, should have the freedom to...
Terrorist Organizations What to know: After criminal cartels killed American civilians in Mexico, two U.S. senators are re-introducing legislation that would label the cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. The TPPF take: Mexican cartels should be designated as foreign terrorist organizations. “Texans who knew Mexico as a friend and a neighbor are distressed at the choices made by the Mexican...
Houston’s Failing Schools What to know: Democratic state Rep. Harold Dutton says he has no regrets about enabling the state to take over the failing Houston ISD. The TPPF take: Houston ISD is riddled with corruption (multiple board members and staff have pleaded guilty to bribery charges) and a callous disregard for the students stuck in those schools. “The status quo...
Data Privacy What to know: A bill before the Texas Legislature would give Texans more control over their personal information online. The TPPF take: We generally have little knowledge of how our personal information is used, even with current safeguards such as privacy notices. “The bill includes strong digital rights for Texans to exercise, empowering them to have ownership...
A Record Year What to know: This has already been a record year for parent empowerment, as more and more states allow parents to choose the best education for their children. The TPPF take: Is 2023 the year for parent empowerment in Texas? “Once parents are empowered with real choices, schools respond with new programs, improved curriculum, and a...