AUSTIN – “Competition has brought substantial benefits to Texas in only a few years, both in absolute terms and relative to other states,” according to a study on the Texas electric market released today by the Texas Public Policy Foundation. The paper, “Competition in Texas Electric Markets: What Texas Did Right & What’s Left to...
Press Release March 27, 2007"Today's action illustrates the superiority of privatization over government provision of services. If a private vendor fails to meet the agency's expectations, the state can hold that vendor accountable. Government employees never face such scrutiny for similar failures. "We are glad to hear Commissioner Albert Hawkins' continued commitment to making service delivery more modern, efficient,...
Press Release March 13, 2007AUSTIN – The Texas Public Policy Foundation announced today that Kevin Holtsberry has joined its staff as a policy analyst in the Foundation’s Center for Economic Freedom. Prior to joining the Foundation, Holtsberry was an aide to Commissioner Judy Jones at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, where he worked on a wide variety of...
Press Release March 12, 2007“While conservatives are naturally hesitant to broach a constitutional spending limit that has been in place for 30 years, the goal of property tax relief justifies such a vote tomorrow. “Nine months ago, the legislature passed a truly historic property tax relief measure. Since property taxes are only levied at the local level, property tax...
Press Release February 19, 2007AUSTIN – The signing of the first statewide universal school choice law in Utah sends a strong signal to Texas legislators that they should act now to provide educational freedom and opportunity to Texas families, according to the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, Jr. signed the “Parent Choice in Education Act” last...
Press Release February 13, 2007AUSTIN – The Texas Public Policy Foundation praised Governor Rick Perry for the budget reform package he laid out today, saying that the measures – when adopted – would produce a state budget that is both leaner and cleaner. “One of the most important tasks facing this Legislature will be to close the gaping loophole...
Press Release January 31, 2007AUSTIN – The Texas Public Policy Foundation commends Senate Criminal Justice Chairman John Whitmire (D-Houston) and House Corrections Chairman Jerry Madden (R-Plano) for presenting an alternative vision for criminal justice that would not require the construction of new prisons. "The plan presented today by Chairmen Whitmire and Madden incorporates many of our recommendations and those...
Press Release January 30, 2007"The report provides a framework to achieve true taxpayer protection. Property taxes are too high and have gone up too fast. "The most important change the Legislature can approve is the new Truth-in-Taxation language. Lowering the cap on revenue growth to 5 percent per year will rein in the runaway spending of city and county...
Press Release January 23, 2007The Texas Public Policy Foundation applauded Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, Speaker Tom Craddick, and the members of the Legislative Budget Board for introducing a 2008-09 state budget that restrains spending increases well within population growth plus inflation. “As we have said before, Texas state government is as big as it needs to be,” said TPPF...
Press Release January 23, 2007"Based on our preliminary analysis, the proposed 2008-09 budget agreement would increase state spending by 9.3 percent over the next two years. This is a dramatic improvement from the previous session's budget growth. "A responsible budget process should not increase the cost of government per person. Since we expect population growth plus inflation will grow...
Press Release January 11, 2007FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE "Today's revenue estimate vindicates Texas' decision to keep taxes and government spending low. The $14.3 billion surplus is far more money than state government needs, and those extra dollars should be returned to their rightful owners: Texas taxpayers. "Even after funding current services, the Legislature will have enough money left to buy...
Press Release January 8, 2007AUSTIN – The Texas Public Policy Foundation announced today the selection of David Guenthner as its new Director of Media and Government Relations. Starting January 2, 2007, Guenthner will coordinate the Foundation’s outreach efforts to the news media, Texas Legislature, and state government. Guenthner is best known around the Capitol for the six years he...
Press Release December 17, 2006