Hit Pause What to know: The Public Utility Commission of Texas voted to postpone consideration of the first segment of the proposed Strategic Transmission Expansion Plan (STEP). The TPPF take: TPPF filed an amicus brief in favor of this delay, along with 43 state lawmakers, to allow more time to assess this highly consequential proposal. “Yesterday’s decision by the...
We Hold These Truths What to know: MS NOW—the news channel formerly known as MSNBC—is shocked to learn that Americans believe their rights come from God, not government. The TPPF take: The Declaration’s second paragraph — the most famous sentence in American political history — says Americans are “endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights…” “This is not...
What a Drag What to know: “Drag Queen story hours” and “family-friendly” Pride events continue to be held across Texas. The TPPF take: June is here and Pride Month is back—but it’s not all rainbows and parades like it used to be. “Pride celebrations have become inextricably linked to the broader LGBTQ+Infinity agenda that extends well beyond gay rights...
Sunshine is the Best Disinfectant What to know: The Trump administration has warned two San Antonio hospitals that they are failing to provide transparent pricing information for patients and insurers on their websites. The TPPF take: Health care price transparency is a big part of TPPF’s Legislative Action Agenda for the upcoming legislative session. “True health care costs are...
Higher Taxes on the Horizon What to know: Many school districts are complaining about budget deficits and threatening serious tax hikes, despite robust revenues, ample reserve funds, and teaching fewer students. The TPPF take: Education doesn’t need more money. We need more education for our money. “School trustees should reject any talk of tax hikes and instead, look for...
Higher Taxes on the Horizon What to know: The State Board of Education will soon meet to adopt new social studies standards, amid pushback from leftist groups. The TPPF take: The new standards will improve education in Texas. “This revision a major reform to how history is taught to Texas students, replacing a model where Texas, American, and...
Stuck in the Past What to know: A transportation director for the North Central Texas Council of Governments wants an expensive and outdated fixed rail system to connect Fort Worth and Arlington, saying: “I can’t imagine living in this region with 12.5 million people without high-speed rail.” The TPPF take: Fixed rail is outdated and tends to service only...
Say What?! What to know: A new report reveals that Austin spends big on public communications. As currently configured, the city’s sprawling communications operation spans “28 departments, 176 communications staffers and more than $10.4 million in reported marketing and communications spending over two fiscal years.” The TPPF take: Austin should consolidate and cut spending. “Austin’s communications operation has...
Watts Up With That? What to know: Rural Texans say they don’t want the planned 765 kV electric transmission lines traversing their areas, citing threats to their land and their livelihoods. The TPPF take: Those transmission lines would impose nearly $100 billion in lifetime costs on Texas ratepayers and create irreversible property losses for thousands of landowners across...
Terror Close to Home What to know: Islamist organizations are operating all over Texas and the U.S., reports show. The TPPF take: We must broaden our threat perception. Terrorist organizations are here, not merely “over there.” “With Texas Shia charities, mosques and imams advocating and fundraising for foreign, violent political movements; visas issued to imams involved with U.S.-designated...
Healthcare Affordability What to know: Texas lawmakers are holding hearings on healthcare costs, and are now zeroing in on insurance costs and practices. The TPPF take: Insurer-controlled healthcare has hidden costs. “Patients should be able to shop for high-value care without monopolistic restrictions, whether at an independent clinic, hospital, or through a direct-pay or health-sharing model,” says TPPF’s Dr. Cliff Porter....
Voting Early, Vote Often What to know: In Harris County, voters will see eight separate elections in less than a year. The TPPF take: Uniform election dates are part of TPPF’s Election Integrity Agenda, ahead of the upcoming legislative session. “Texas should require local elections to be consolidated with the November uniform election date,” says TPPF’s Josh Findlay. “This...