Save Our Children
What to Know: Children who spend more time consuming social media are at higher risk for mental health issues such as depression.
The TPPF Take: It’s time to save our kids from social media—by banning social media accounts for minors.
“There are countless tragic stories about the destructive harms of social media,” says TPPF’s Zach Whiting. “Texas should be the national leader on the issue of child online safety by taking the bold step of banning social media use by minors. States place age-restrictions on numerous behaviors, such as driving, voting, smoking, drinking, and entering into a valid contract, among other things. This proposal would recognize social media as a prohibited harm to minors.”
For more on social media and children, click here.
Wrong on Education
What to Know: The Houston Chronicle recently ran an editorial claiming that empowering parents to choose the best education options for their children would be “bad for Texas.”
The TPPF Take: The Chronicle claims that school choice could violate the First Amendment. That’s wrong.
“The Chronicle’s pearl-clutching about parents choosing religious schools is just that warmed-over (and trendy) anti-Catholic sentiment,” says TPPF’s Mandy Drogin. “The truth is that public funds often find their way into religious arenas. Food stamps can be used to purchase food that is shared at church picnics; is the Chronicle ready to monitor potato salads for their religiosity?”
For more on parent empowerment, click here.
Tax Breaks for Me, But Not for Thee
What to Know: The city of Dallas is giving a few favored businesses “$150 million in tax breaks and cash grants to incentivize three major real estate projects,” despite area residents struggling to afford cost of living increases and sky-high tax bills. The city’s corporate welfare will likely to add to their immediate challenges.
The TPPF Take: City officials are using other people’s money to pick winners-and-losers in the marketplace. It’s a violation of sound economics and good government alike.
“Why are cities giving away other people’s money to big businesses? That’s the question that every Dallas taxpayer ought to be asking their local elected officials,” says TPPF’s James Quintero. “Cities need to stick to the basics, i.e. police and potholes, and leave business development to the free-market.”
For more on local tax breaks, click here.