Welcome to the Party, Pal
What to know: The Dallas Morning News editorial board doesn’t like TPPF’s property tax elimination plan. Still, they want policymakers and the public “to keep pressure on local government to control spending while the state buys down school taxes through growth.” (Which is what we’ve calling for years as well!)
The TPPF Take: The DMN may be a late arrival, but better late than never.
“It’s encouraging that more and more people—even those in the dinosaur media—support TPPF’s plan to gradually lower school district M&O tax rates using surplus revenue. By continuing down this path over the next several sessions, the Texas Legislature can eventually eliminate that portion of everyone’s tax bill,” says TPPF’s James Quintero. “Too, the media is right to emphasize the need for better spending discipline. Without strong controls, it will be impossible to permanently get rid of M&O taxes.”
For more on property taxes, click here.
Homelessness
What to know: Homelessness in California continued to grow last year, despite some crackdowns by cities in the Golden State.
“The TPPF take: “Housing First” is a failed policy that puts people last.
“In 2013, Barak Obama began focusing government efforts on funding publicly subsidized housing,” says TPPF’s John Bonura. “Housing First, as it is known, was lauded as the policy that would end homelessness in 10 years. It has been more than 10 years now, and the number of people living without homes has only gone up. America has been hamstrung by this policy because it tries to outspend a problem instead of addressing the root causes.”
For more on homelessness, click here.
School Choice
What to know: Lawmakers say they’ll be back in January with a school choice bill that will truly empower Texas parents.
The TPPF take: Texas voters showed they want school choice—and they won’t take no for an answer.
“Voters have spoken very loudly and very clearly, and they want school choice,” says TPPF’s Mandy Drogin. “And it’s no coincidence that it comes at a time when there’s a shift in conservative politics. Gov. Abbott should be congratulated on his hard work on behalf of candidates who support parent empowerment.”
For more on school choice, click here.