AUSTIN— Today, the Texas Public Policy Foundation published the research paper Purpose-Driven Economic Development: A Guide to Reforming Chapters 312 and 313. “In the last few legislative sessions, Texans have risen up to demand greater transparency in local government,” said Jess Fields, senior researcher with the Texas Public Policy Foundation. “One notable area that lacks...
Press Release April 18, 2019AUSTIN—The Texas Public Policy Foundation applauds the Texas Senate for passing the two remaining employment freedom bills (SBs 2486 and 2488) that will protect employers’ and employees’ right to operate freely in the marketplace. If enacted, this legislative package will preempt onerous local regulations. “Today, the Texas Senate maintained a strong and clear stance on local control. State leaders will...
Press Release April 16, 2019AUSTIN— Today, the full Texas Senate approved the passage of Senate Bill 2, the Property Tax Reform & Relief Act of 2019. Among other things, the bill lowers the rollback tax rate, now called the “no-new-revenue tax rate,” from 8 percent to 3.5 percent for cities, counties, and special districts. It also imposes a rollback rate of...
Press Release April 15, 2019AUSTIN— Today Jacki Deason, senior fellow with the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Life:Powered initiative, will receive an award on the senate floor honoring her for her achievements in broadcasting. The award, presented by Texas Senator Pat Fallon, recognizes Ms. Deason for her “successful career in broadcasting as host of the radio program and podcast The...
Press Release April 15, 2019AUSTIN—The Texas Public Policy Foundation applauds the Texas Senate for passing two bills (SBs 2485 and2487) that will protect employers’ and employees’ right to operate freely in the marketplace. If enacted, this legislative package will preempt onerous local regulations and create uniform and consistent employment standards for all. “Today, the Texas Senate sent a clear message: State...
Press Release April 11, 2019AUSTIN—Today, the Texas Public Policy Foundation published the policy perspectiveReducing Foster Care Trauma by Prioritizing the Use of Monitored Return. “As child welfare practice increasingly recognizes the trauma of removing children from their families, the system must explore new, innovative approaches that prioritize protecting children from harm and reducing the number of unnecessary removals,” said...
Press Release April 11, 2019AUSTIN— Today, the Texas Public Policy Foundation applauds the commitment to property tax relief expressed through a joint statement released by Gov. Abbott, Lt. Gov. Patrick, and Speaker Bonnen. “Texans demanded bold reform for real property tax cuts and it appears Gov. Abbott, Lt. Gov. Patrick, and Speaker Bonnen have crafted a proposal that could...
Press Release April 10, 2019AUSTIN— On Wednesday, April 10, President Trump will be in Houston to announce executive orders which will help to ensure Americans’ ability to produce affordable, reliable, and abundant energy. The president is expected to speak about plans to aid the United States’ booming oil and gas production and further shift away from dependence on foreign...
Press Release April 9, 2019AUSTIN— Today, the Texas House of Representatives passed House Bill 347 on second reading by a vote of 98 – 43. If the bill becomes law, then the Texas Legislature will have effectively ended the practice of forced annexation. “Every property owner deserves to have their property rights protected, irrespective of which county they live in,” said Think Local...
Press Release April 8, 2019AUSTIN—The Texas Public Policy Foundation praises the Senate Committee on State Affairs’ passage of Senate Bills 2485, 2486, 2487, and 2488. These pieces of legislation will ensure consistency and uniformity in employment regulations and allow private employers and employees to operate in an economy where they can freely negotiate the terms of employment. “Texas has long had a reputation...
Press Release April 5, 2019WASHINGTON – Today, the Texas Public Policy Foundation published congressional testimony by John Davidson reporting on the humanitarian crisis at the southern border with Mexico. Davidson, a senior correspondent at the Federalist and a senior fellow for the Foundation’s Right on Immigration initiative, recounts the experience of border towns in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley and...
Press Release April 4, 2019AUSTIN—Today, the Texas Public Policy Foundation published the paper ERCOT’s Growth and Adaptation to New Markets: Generation Capacity, Renewable Energy Subsidies, and the Operating Reserve Demand Curve. “Renewable energy subsidies have brought increases in wind generation which lowered incentives to build the dispatchable generation that is needed to maintain reliability of the Texas electricity grid,”...
Press Release April 4, 2019