Rocky Mountain High
What to know: Denver, another “sanctuary city” that has been “pushed to the brink” by illegal immigration, is facing millions of dollars in expenses incurred by migrants.
The TPPF take: Denver is learning that every town is a border town now.
“Texas’ decision to bus migrants out of the state has been a cost-effective method that has lifted the hardships on border communities, while keeping migrants safe and healthy,” says TPPF’s Selene Rodriguez. “It has also provided a free service to those who are looking for better lives in the sanctuary cities—which have promised them opportunities for many years.”
For more on immigration, click here.
Austin Affordability
What to know: Even Forbes is weighing in on Austin’s plan to loosen its zoning restrictions in an effort to encourage more housing development. It probably doesn’t go far enough, Forbes says.
The TPPF take: It’s a start; restrictive zoning rules cause a lot of problems.
“Suffocating lot size restrictions are among the biggest culprits behind housing unaffordability,” says TPPF’s John Bonura. “Reducing minimum lot size requirements would create much needed affordable housing. Smaller lot sizes can help reduce the costs of purchasing a home first by reducing the amount of actual land needed to build a home, and second by increasing the overall supply of housing.”
For more on zoning, click here.
Public Sector Unions
What to know: Five years after a key Supreme Court ruling, public sector (government) unions are smaller, but still going strong.
The TPPF take: Americans are waking up to this corrupt union scheme to steal their money.
“In the coming weeks in a case brought by two taxpayers, the Texas supreme court will soon decide whether release time violates taxpayer protections under the gift clause,” says TPPF’s Robert Henneke. “And in a separate case brought by two city of Phoenix employees, the Arizona supreme court will soon decide whether release time violates the gift clause and unconstitutionally compels speech and association.”
For more on government unions, click here.