Not in Texas

What to know: Gov. Greg Abbott has warned Texas state agencies that using diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in the hiring process for state jobs is illegal.

The TPPF take: As the governor’s office explains, DEI “has been manipulated to push policies that expressly favor some demographic groups to the detriment of others.”

“DEI is not ‘well-intentioned,’ and it is not about diversity hiring or fair treatment,” says TPPF’s Sherry Sylvester. “DEI is about dictating how people think. The job candidate evaluations at Texas Tech revealed that applicants were downgraded for using the wrong pronoun or saying they respected and treated all students the same—which is not allowed.”

For more on DEI, click here.


Can’t Blame Them

What to know: People continue to flee from states such as Illinois and California, as progressive promises prove to be hollow.

The TPPF take: Progressive areas have little to offer aside from soaring crime rates and a skyrocketing cost of living.

“At its very heart, government’s most important role is to keep its citizenry safe, and they’re failing,” says TPPF’s Brett Tolman. “They’re failing because they’re implementing policies that are not thoughtful. They’re not best practices that are working. And they’re not considerate of the dangers that men and women are facing as the crime rises.”

For more on the exodus from blue states, click here.


Teach the Children

What to know: Fewer than half of students enrolled in San Antonio public schools can read on grade level, testing data shows.

The TPPF take: One of the most effective ways to improve public education is to offer parents alternatives.

“Once parents are empowered with real choices, schools respond with new programs, improved curriculum, and a renewed focus on the quality of the education they are providing students,” says TPPF’s Mandy Drogin. “School choice is the catalyst that encourages everyone to become better and more efficient.”

For more on parent empowerment, click here.