TPPF Policy Orientation panel to address the Texas model and tax reform

The Texas model of low taxes, no individual income tax, and moderate regulation has generated prosperity for many Texans. Yet, the business franchise tax and local property taxes draw criticism for hindering economic opportunity. To examine potential improvements to the state’s tax structure, the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Center for Fiscal Policy will host the panel “Advancing the Texas Model: Will a Simple Tax System Drive Prosperity?” at the 14th Annual Policy Orientation for the Texas Legislature on Thursday, January 7, 2016 at 3:30 pm CST at the Hilton Austin Hotel in Salon K.

Press Release December 11, 2015

TPPF Policy Orientation panel to address the Conservative Texas Budget

The 84th Texas Legislature passed a budget increase of less than population growth plus inflation. To examine whether this constitutes a conservative budget and if it can meet the needs of Texans, the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Center for Fiscal Policy will host the panel “Spending vs. Taxation: Does the Conservative Texas Budget Meet the Needs of Texans?” at the 14th Annual Policy Orientation for the Texas Legislature on Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at 1:30 pm CST at the Hilton Austin Hotel in Salon J.

Press Release December 11, 2015

TPPF Policy Orientation panel to address Medicaid & health care solutions

A supplemental spending bill passed by the 84th Legislature caused total state spending on health and human services to exceed education spending for the first time in Texas history. To examine how Texas can stabilize the growth of health care spending while improving access to and quality of care, the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Center for Health Care Policy will host the panel “Uncompensated Care, Medicaid, and Solutions to Texas’ Health Care Crisis” at the 14th Annual Policy Orientation for the Texas Legislature on Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at 1:30 pm CST at the Hilton Austin Hotel in Meeting Room 616.

Press Release December 11, 2015

TPPF Policy Orientation panel to address housing affordability

While the cost of living is much more affordable in Texas than other large states, there are still places where housing costs are high, including Austin. To examine the extent of the housing problem in Texas, and determine if there is a link between housing costs and local government regulations on land use, the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Center for Economic Freedom will host the panel “Do Property Rights Help the Poor? Affordable Housing in Texas” at the 14th Annual Policy Orientation for the Texas Legislature on Friday, January 8, 2016 at 11:30 am CST at the Hilton Austin Hotel in Meeting Room 616.

Press Release December 10, 2015

TPPF Policy Orientation session to address forced annexation

Abuses of the Home Rule Amendment to the Texas Constitution have led to more and more cities practicing involuntary annexation. Property owners and residents currently have no opportunity to consent to or contest their annexation under the law. To discuss how to address the issue of private property rights and forced annexation, the Texas Public Policy Foundation will host the plenary session “No Voice, No Vote: Forced Annexation in Texas” at the 14th Annual Policy Orientation for the Texas Legislature on Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at 4:30 pm CST at the Hilton Austin Hotel in the Austin Grand Ballroom.

Press Release December 9, 2015

TPPF statement on White House threat to veto Red River legislative fix

The Texas Public Policy’s (TPPF) Center for the American Future Director Robert Henneke issued the following statement on the White House threat to veto a legislative solution to the federal seizure by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) of private property along the Red River in Texas.

Press Release December 9, 2015

TPPF Policy Orientation panel to address property taxes in Texas

Texans voted in November for property tax relief by increasing the homestead exemption for school district property taxes. To examine the voters’ decision and what should be done in the interim and next legislative session to alleviate property taxes, the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Center for Local Governance will host the panel “Breaking Point: Texas Property Tax Problem and Finding a Fix” at the 14th Annual Policy Orientation for the Texas Legislature on Thursday, January 7, 2016 at 9:30 am CST at the Hilton Austin Hotel in Meeting Salon K.

Press Release December 9, 2015

TPPF releases competitive contracting study

Today, the Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) today released “Competitive Contracting: League City, Texas.” The new study examines the benefits of competitive contracting processes as applied to League City, Texas. The study suggests that League City’s core city services could be provided at significantly lower costs while maintaining or improving their quality by implementing competitive contracting practices.

Press Release December 9, 2015

TPPF Policy Orientation panel to discuss local control vs. local liberty

Controversial and possibly illegal city ordinances, like plastic bag bans and fees, have sparked an intense debate over the proper role of local control and the rule of law. To examine the local control vs. local liberty debate that transpired in the 84th Legislative Session, the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Center for Local Governance will host the panel “Local Control vs. Local Liberty” at the 14th Annual Policy Orientation for the Texas Legislature on Thursday, January 7, 2016 at 2:00 pm CST at the Hilton Austin Hotel in Meeting Salon K.

Press Release December 8, 2015

TPPF Policy Orientation panel to address public pension reform

AUSTIN – Texas’s state and local retirement systems are in danger of fiscal disaster. The latest data shows Texas has in excess of $57 billion in unfunded pension liabilities. To discuss how to fix public pensions, the Texas Public Policy Foundation will host the panel “The Untouchables: A Look at Local Retirement Systems Protected by Sate Law” at the 14th Annual Policy Orientation for the Texas Legislature on Friday, January 8, 2016 at 9:30 am CST at the Hilton Austin Hotel in Salon K.

Press Release December 8, 2015

TPPF Policy Orientation panel to address overcriminalization

The ever-growing breadth and depth of the criminal law and administrative laws with criminal penalties results in the average American unknowingly committing an estimated three or more felonies each day. To highlight some of the successes pushing back against overcriminalization and illustrate the ground to be gained for further reform, the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Center for Effective Justice will host the panel “Three Felonies a Day: How Everyday Behavior Affects Everyday People” at the 14th Annual Policy Orientation for the Texas Legislature on Wedensday, January 6, 2016 at 1:30 pm CST at the Hilton Austin Hotel in Salon K.

Press Release December 8, 2015

TPPF: Proposed EPA “Source Rule” lacks understanding of oil and gas sector

The Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) filed a comment with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on a proposed rule for making source determinations for certain emission units in the oil and natural gas sector. The proposed “Source Rule” proposes two options for determining whether two or more properties in the oil and gas sector are “adjacent.” Both options present overly broad aggregation standards that would substantially slow the permit review process, transform minor oil and gas sources to major stationary-like sources, and fundamentally abrogate and undermine existing state authority.

Press Release December 4, 2015