AUSTIN, Texas – A new book published by the Texas Public Policy Foundation explores the issue of public school finance reform from the perspective of twelve ideologically and politically diverse authors. Putting the Sides Together is a 222-page work introduced and edited by the Foundation’s director of research, Chris Patterson. The book is available for...
Press Release December 12, 2003AUSTIN, Texas – Texas Public Policy Foundation president Brooke Rollins on Wednesday announced the addition of Byron Schlomach, Ph.D., to the staff in the new position of Chief Economist. “Dr. Schlomach brings a tremendous amount of experience and expertise to the Foundation,” said Rollins. “He has spent his career promoting good public policy based on...
Press Release December 4, 2003AUSTIN, Texas – Where do education dollars comes from? The answer is provided in a survey of the 50 states that digs into state revenues and expenditures for education dollars. Although providing key insights about state education funding, the survey begins by unmasking the notion of “education dollars.” “Education dollars are really a myth,” says...
Press Release October 21, 2003AUSTIN, Texas – A new study from the Texas Public Policy Foundation finds government-operated businesses in Texas account for almost $20 billion in activity – equivalent to nearly three percent of the state gross product. These are businesses run by government entities that duplicate or mirror services provided through the private market such as selling...
Press Release September 24, 2003Austin, Texas – The president of the Texas Public Policy Foundation announced today the promotion of Michael Quinn Sullivan to vice president. “Michael has well demonstrated his leadership abilities to the board and me throughout his tenure with the Foundation,” said Brooke Leslie Rollins. “In this new position, Michael will have an even greater role...
Press Release July 16, 2003AUSTIN, Texas – In a poll commissioned by the Texas Public Policy Foundation, 58 percent of Texans say they favor a school choice program. A similar percentage of the population believes public schools waste money. The scientific poll, conducted by Baselice & Associates, took place from June 11 to June 15, and involved more than...
Press Release June 25, 2003AUSTIN, Texas – In response to increased demands for research and availability by the state’s elected leaders, the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s president, Brooke Leslie Rollins, announced today the organization is moving its operations and offices to Austin. “The Foundation has maintained an Austin office for several years, but this move will ensure policy makers...
Press Release June 11, 2003AUSTIN, Texas – With the agreement of House and Senate leaders on key provisions of tort reform, Texans can expect the state’s civil justice system – and therefore the business and medical climate – to improve. “Restoring fairness to the legal system will be a lasting legacy for the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker and the...
Press Release May 31, 2003AUSTIN, Texas – Even as lawmakers are poised to adopt a new state budget without a tax hike, some are looking to raise taxes in a move that could threaten Texas’ economic viability. Under legislation approved by the Senate Finance Committee, the tax burden on many Texas businesses – and therefore business owners, employees and...
Press Release May 28, 2003AUSTIN, Texas – While Texans were understandably suspicious of claims that state legislators could balance the budget without a tax hike or undue cuts to essential services, lawmakers did just that on Monday, said the president of the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Budget conferees finished work on the 2004-05 budget Monday after a weekend conference...
Press Release May 27, 2003AUSTIN, Texas – While the Texas Senate is to be congratulated for taking an important step on school finance with its vote to restructure the funding mechanism, the Texas Public Policy Foundation said today legislators must not rush to simply “fix the numbers.” “History should remind us that for every idea on school finance, there...
Press Release May 8, 2003AUSTIN, Texas – With less than a month left in the 78th Legislative Session, Texas Public Policy Foundation President Brooke Leslie Rollins said at a press conference today that legislators should be encouraged to think innovatively about the challenges facing education: “As we raise the bar in Texas public schools and tighten education budgets, we...
Press Release May 6, 2003