Capitol District
What to know: A state lawmaker has filed legislation to create the District of Austin, a new state-governed district that would replace the city of Austin and “empower the Texas Legislature to address concerns about Austin’s declining ability to govern as the state capital effectively.”
The TPPF take: The State of Texas has obvious interests in making sure that Austin is safe and well-run. Protecting those interests means doing away with the old and establishing something new.
“Austin is unlike any other Texas city. It is home to much of the state’s workforce, many of its chief institutions, and the seat of government. Thus, it has a major stake in the city’s safety and success—both of which are in doubt due to gross mismanagement and leftwing activism,” says TPPF’s James Quintero. “Texas’ interests are best protected by dissolving the city of Austin and replacing it with a saner, streamlined state-governed alternative.”
For more on a capital district, click here.
Eyes On Texas
What to know: Texas will be the model for the U.S. government’s renewed efforts to secure the southern border, the New York Times reports.
The TPPF take: The incoming Trump administration has pledged to finally secure the border.
“Under the Biden-Harris administration, the United States has experienced the most dangerous border crisis in our history,” says TPPF’s Selene Rodriguez. “Texas rightfully began constructing c-wire along the border as part of Operation Lone Star to deter illegal crossings and allow law enforcement a better chance of stopping human smuggling and drug trafficking. With Texas leading the way and a new, strong administration coming in, we can finally mean it when we say la frontera esta cerrada.”
For more on the border, click here.
Winter is Here
What to know: The Texas grid is still facing challenges, though it is “better equipped” than in years before, according to ERCOT.
The TPPF take: Winter is the new summer for the Texas grid.
“Winter demand is growing rapidly in Texas, even faster than summer demand, as newer homes are usually equipped with heat pumps that are efficient in mild weather but become electricity hogs when the temperature drops below freezing,” says TPPF’s Brent Bennett. “Environmental groups pushing to end the use of fossil fuels want every building to switch away from gas toward electric heat, but doing so will make winter electricity demand grow even faster.”
For more on the grid, click here.