Not How That Works
What to know: California Gov. Gavin Newsom is suing to “nullify” President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
The TPPF take: You know, South Carolina tried this once before, in 1832. It didn’t work out well for South Carolina.
“Let’s be clear: States don’t have rights; they have powers, delegated by the Constitution. Only people have rights, a truth the Founders etched into our framework,” says TPPF’s Chuck DeVore. “Newsom’s rhetoric, implying California can opt out of federal policy like some sovereign republic, misreads the Constitution as badly as South Carolina’s John Calhoun did.”
For more on tariffs and nullification, click here.
Property Rights and Wrongs
What to know: The city of College Station is one of many in Texas that tries to limit occupancy of homes to families or a strictly controlled number of roommates. A Texas Senate bill is challenging those rules.
The TPPF take: TPPF attorneys have taken on city ordinances that attempt to regulate and interfere with the property rights of citizens.
“Thankfully, members of the Texas Legislature’s 89th Session are taking notice of ordinances like College Station’s. Senate Bill 1567 and House Bill 2797 will restore property rights to landowners and renters in three primary ways,” says TPPF law clerk Cade Cross. “I a regulation is not threatening people’s safety, citizens should be left to decide for themselves where they want to live and who they want to allow on their property.”
For more on property rights, click here.
Local Bonds
What to know: It’s election season, which means Texas local governments are, once again, asking voters to approve huge quantities of new debt.
The TPPF take: This debt adds up—fast.
“Texas cities, counties, school districts, and special districts are seeking voter-approval for 231 separate propositions, which are worth a combined $30.86 billion,” says TPPF’s James Quintero. “If these bonds all pass, that would bring the total debt held by local Texas governments to a staggering $530.59 billion. As in years past, school districts represent the bulk of governmental entities looking to borrow, with 129 of the 231 propositions on behalf of the ISDs.”
For more on local debt, click here.