Nonprofiteering
What to know: The city of Austin pays questionable and controversial nonprofits tens of millions every year and “does not use competitive bidding when awarding contracts for ‘social services.’” Such a dynamic invites waste, grift, and corruption in a mighty way.
The TPPF take: Austin doesn’t have a revenue problem. It has a profiteering problem.
“In Austin and elsewhere, profiteers have engineered creative systems to scam taxpayers and leech money away from local government. The problem is getting worse too, especially as certain activist governments fail to use basic procedures, like competitive bidding, to ensure value,” says TPPF’s James Quintero. “It’s time for the Legislature to reform these systems and protect Texans against this type of exploitation.”
For more on local spending, click here.
Hold the Line
What to know: Texas lawmakers are asking the Public Utility Commission to pause projects involving high-voltage transmission lines until after the upcoming legislative session.
The TPPF take: Those transmission lines will solve none of the problems with the Texas grid.
“Other plans exist that can increase the supply of reliable generation, reduce the cost to consumers, and lessen the impact of new infrastructure projects,” says TPPF’s Carson Clayton. “Policymakers should pause implementation of the plan and consider alternatives to minimize the cost and impact.”
For more on the transmission lines, click here.
Now and in the Future
What to know: Republicans in Congress are working to ensure that America’s southern border will remain secure, even after President Donald Trump leaves office.
The TPPF take: Congressman Chip Roy’s Permanent Trump Secure Border Act will do just that.
“A secure border cannot depend on temporary policies that change from one administration to the next,” says TPPF’s Greg Sindelar. “The Permanent Trump Secure Border Act would establish lasting border reforms, strengthen national security, and ensure that future administrations have the resources needed to keep Americans safe.”
For more on the border, click here.