Homeless in Austin
What to know: The city of Austin cleared out dozens of homeless encampments. They didn’t stay cleared.
The TPPF take: As Austin demonstrates, devoting more money to poor policy does not solve the problem of homelessness.
“The data suggest the problem may be worsening, despite the ample resources devoted to it,” says TPPF’s John Bonura. “Thus, the public is left with a situation in which, as homeless populations increase, spending rises to accommodate them. However, the services provided fail to reduce the number of people experiencing homelessness or to engender lasting change.”
For more on homelessness, click here.
So Much for ‘Affordable’
The TPPF take: The Republicans have better options for health care than the moribund ACA.
“The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) has opened up opportunities for better medical care at a fraction of the cost,” says TPPF’s Dr. Cliff Porter. “These reforms allow alternatives to traditional higher cost plans for individuals and businesses who were previously forced into high cost and frustrating Obamacare plans or Medicaid. Texas can further reduce healthcare costs with more choices for healthcare coverage, direct access to medications, and price transparency.”
For more on Obamacare, click here.
Winning
What to know: The U.S. Supreme Court has allowed a new Texas law on app stores to go into effect.
The TPPF take: The App Store Accountability Act requires merchants to verify users’ ages when they create accounts. .
“Adults get full access,” says TPPF’s Hannah Bruck. “Minors have their accounts linked to a parent or guardian, who approves downloads and in-app purchases on an ongoing basis. App content ratings must accurately reflect the content, and any data collected during verification must be promptly deleted. The framework is built around one premise: Parents should know what their kids are downloading before they download it.”
For more on app store accountability, click here.