Piling on the Debt
What to know: Local government debt in Texas now tops $417 billion, or more than $14,000 per Texas citizen, The Texan reports.
The TPPF Take: It’s up to voters to decide on bond propositions. But voters should understand that taking on more debt means paying higher taxes.
“Generally speaking, general obligation bonds approved by voters in November will spur tax increases. Given that, voters should always carefully consider whether it’s the right time to approve higher taxes,” says TPPF’s James Quintero.
For more on local debt, click here.
This is Going to Get Expensive
What to know: Oregon voters have approved a health care measure that will allow residents to sue the state if their “fundamental right” to health care services isn’t honored quickly, effectively and affordably.
The TPPF take: Single-payer health care systems, such as Oregon’s scheme or Medicare-for-All, don’t work.
“The fundamental flaw of single-payer is that it increases demand (covering more people) while ignoring supply,” says TPPF’s David Balat. “Health care providers simply can’t afford to add more patients at the reimbursement rates the system can offer. That’s why we’re seeing rationing occur even now in Medicare and Medicaid.”
For more on single-payer health care, click here.
Homelessness
What to know: Cities expect more and more deaths of the homeless as the winter sets in.
The TPPF take: To help the homeless, we must address their real needs—not merely the symptom.
“We know 78% of the homeless struggle with the diseases of mental illness and addiction, whether it be a precursor to, or a result of, homelessness,” says TPPF’s Ron Simmons. “A Human First approach is the needed antidote. Human beings—especially those also struggling with homelessness — are complex. Housing is but one piece of the multi-faceted approach needed to support an individual to permanently emerge from homelessness.”
For more on homelessness, click here.