AUSTIN, Texas – A new study, to be released Wednesday by the Texas Public Policy Foundation, explores key issues in school finance, evaluates the tax proposals to fund education, and debunks widely held assumptions about what does and does not influence student achievement. The Foundation is Texas’ leading market-oriented, non-profit research institution. The study, Effective,...
Press Release February 25, 2004AUSTIN, Texas – As the prospect of a special session focusing on public education finance increases, some state leaders are considering a proposal that would separate the way property taxes are levied on residences and businesses. In a report issued today, the chief economist for the Texas Public Policy Foundation notes such a move represents...
Press Release January 31, 2004AUSTIN, Texas – When the 2nd Annual Policy Orientation for the Texas Legislature gets underway on Wednesday, more than three dozen lawmakers and experts will be offering their insights on the biggest issues facing the state this year and next. While Wednesday’s program will focus exclusively on issues surrounding education reform and tax changes, Thursday...
Press Release January 27, 2004AUSTIN, Texas – Kicking off the Second Annual Policy Orientation for the Texas Legislature will be one of the first public addresses by the newly appointed Commissioner of Education, Dr. Shirley J. Neeley. Her comments will open the day’s examination of school finance reform. The Policy Orientation, being held January 28 and 29 at the...
Press Release January 23, 2004AUSTIN, Texas -Two weeks prior to the Second Annual Policy Orientation for the Texas Legislature, the volume of registrations forced the hosts to create a waiting list for individuals hoping to attend. The Orientation is being held January 28th and 29th at the Driskill Hotel in Austin. “We’re very pleased so many people are interested...
Press Release January 19, 2004AUSTIN, Texas – Most of the state’s legislative offices have registered to attend the Second Annual Policy Orientation, which focuses on the issues facing Texas by bringing together legislators and policy experts from across the state and nation. This year’s Orientation will be held January 28th and 29th at the Driskill Hotel in Austin. More...
Press Release January 9, 2004AUSTIN, Texas – The state and nation have lost a fierce advocate for conservative ideas with the untimely death of Tex Lezar, said the chairman of the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Board of Directors. Lezar died January 5 of a heart attack; he was 55. “Mr. Lezar was one of the brightest legal minds and...
Press Release January 6, 2004AUSTIN, 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, 2003