It’s Not a Revenue Problem

What to know: The city of Austin just proposed a new $6.6 billion budget that calls for raising taxes and fees, despite residents struggling with an affordability crisis. In all, “the increases would cost the average Austin homeowner nearly $346 a year,” with more than half of that amount stemming from higher property taxes.

The TPPF take: Now is not the time for higher taxes and fees.

“When it comes to affordability, Austin city officials often say one thing but do the opposite. They publicly acknowledge today’s cost-of-living crisis, but also then suggest hiking taxes and utility fees. It’s intellectually inconsistent and completely unnecessary,” says TPPF’s James Quintero. “Big cities in Texas don’t need new revenue. They need more discipline.”

For more on local spending, click here.

Direct-to-Consumer—and Delicious   

What to know: Ranchers have a new tool to ensure the long-term viability of their cattle operations—direct-to-consumer beef sales.

The TPPF take: This new model gives hope to Texans running smaller cattle herds.

“The model allows local ranchers to sell cattle for processing, and lets consumers purchase meat directly from the source,” says TPPF’s Roy Maynard. “The concept gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic, when disruptions at large meatpacking plants exposed vulnerabilities in the national supply chain. Demand for local processing surged as producers searched for alternatives.”

For more on ranching and beef, click here.

The Maine Mess 

What to know: Maine’s Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner has left the race after a series of scandals. The party—not the voters—will now choose his replacement on the ballot.

The TPPF take: Under Maine law, the Democrats have until July 27 to select a replacement nominee

“Rather than holding another statewide primary, party officials will convene a nominating convention to choose the candidate who will appear on the November ballot,” says TPPF’s Josh Findlay. “Instead of asking the full primary electorate that selected Graham Platner in the June primary to weigh in again, 601 delegates from Maine’s 16 counties will choose the replacement nominee.”

For more on Maine, click here.