Discovering America
What to know: Soccer fans from around the world are discovering America, as FIFA World Cup games continue.
The TPPF take: The internet is filled with videos of soccer fans from across the world learning just how incredible the United States is.
“As we approach our 250th anniversary, these people experiencing America for the first time and enjoying it should remind us all just how proud of our country we all should be,” says TPPF’s John Mondi. “The United States of America is truly the greatest country on Earth and you don’t have to look further than foreign soccer fans to see why. These people’s amazement should invigorate our patriotism and make us feel an overwhelming sense of pride.”
For more on America, click here.
School District Deficit Spending
What to know: Arlington ISD’s new deficit budget outspends available income by nearly $60 million. In fact, its budget “plans to spend roughly $656 million and raise roughly $596 million in revenue.”
The TPPF take: A responsible budget balances expenditures with revenues.
“Governments that spend more money than they have available invite numerous harms, including higher taxes, bigger debt, and smaller reserves for emergencies. Plus, it’s fiscally irresponsible to pass unbalanced budgets,” says TPPF’s James Quintero. “School districts should have to pass balanced budgets and live within their means—just like every other Texas household.”
For more on deficit spending, click here.
Social Media
What to know: Great Britain has now prohibited its citizens under the age of 16 from using social media.
The TPPF take: The Texas approach to this problem is to require app stores to verify a customer’s age before allowing an app to be downloaded.
“App stores verify age at account creation — the same common-sense check we expect at convenience stores — and sort users into categories: children, younger teens, older teens and adults. If you are an adult, nothing changes,” says TPPF’s David Dunmoyer. “If you are under 18, your account is linked to your parents, so they can approve or reject download or purchase requests.”
For more on technology and children, click here.