AUSTIN—Today, the Texas Public Policy Foundation published the policy paper “On the Militarization of Our Police” authored by Randy Petersen, senior researcher at TPPF and former law enforcement officer. “The militarization of our police officers carries with it the risk of the accompanying philosophy of militarism, that being a preference for the use of force above...
Press Release December 18, 2018Washington, DC — Today, the U.S. Senate passed the First Step Act by a vote of 87 to 12. The bill is the most comprehensive criminal justice reform package of the last three decades. The First Step Act provides reentry programming to help reduce recidivism, includes modest sentencing reforms, increases public safety and gives those...
Press Release December 18, 2018AUSTIN— Late today, a U.S. District Judge ruled in the lawsuit led by the Texas Public Policy Foundation that the Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional. “Today’s historic win striking down Obamacare is only the first step,” said Robert Henneke, general counsel and director of the Center for the American Future at the Texas Public Policy Foundation....
Press Release December 14, 2018AUSTIN—The Texas Public Policy Foundation today announced the closing keynote address of the 17th Annual Policy Orientation will feature both Sen. John Cornyn and Sen. Ted Cruz. “We are honored to have both of Texas’ senators join us at Policy Orientation once again,” said Kevin Roberts, executive director of TPPF. “It is only fitting these...
Press Release December 13, 2018Washington, DC — As Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell vows to bring the FIRST STEP Act to the Senate Floor for a long-awaited vote in the coming days, Right on Crime Signatories, conservative leaders, and grassroots activists will gather to show their support for the bill at a press conference with Sen. Mike Lee, Thursday, Dec....
Press Release December 13, 2018AUSTIN— Today, the Texas Public Policy Foundation published the paper, “Chapter 312 and 313 Property Tax Abatements Help Wealthy and Connected Businesses and Taxpayers at Other Texans’ Expense.” Local property tax abatements are often viewed as a positive part of the modern economic development process. This new paper from the Foundation examines the negative aspects...
Press Release December 13, 2018AUSTIN—Today, the Texas Public Policy Foundation responded to the release of a new draft report from the Texas Commission on Public School Finance. The draft report repurposes existing school finance dollars to provide incentive for school districts to improve student outcomes. “Repurposing existing tax dollars to incent school districts to improve student outcomes is a...
Press Release December 11, 2018AUSTIN – Today, the Texas Public Policy Foundation and the Pension Integrity Project at Reason Foundation released the report “Pension Solvency Overview: Teacher Retirement System of Texas.” “At nearly six times the size of the next largest public pension plan in the Lone Star State, the TRS plan holds substantial influence on the fiscal health...
Press Release December 11, 2018AUSTIN—The Texas Public Policy Foundation is pleased to announce Rep. Jason Isaac will be joining the Foundation as senior manager and distinguished fellow of the Foundation’s Life: Powered initiative. “With a deep understanding of energy issues coupled with first-hand knowledge of the Legislature, Jason will continue to be an effective advocate for policies that ensure...
Press Release December 11, 2018Washington, DC — Today, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced that he will bring the First Step Act to the Senate Floor for a long-awaited vote in the coming days. Right on Crime Signatories, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and former United States Senator Jim DeMint, issued the following statements: “I commend Leader McConnell...
Press Release December 11, 2018AUSTIN— Today, Monday, Dec. 10, 2018 beginning at 9:00 a.m., Dr. Deane Waldman, the director of the Center for Health Care Policy at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, will provide invited testimony before the Senate Committee on Business and Commerce. The Committee will be considering the recent trend of consolidations and mergers in healthcare, new...
Press Release December 10, 2018AUSTIN—The Texas Public Policy Foundation extends its congratulations to Bernard McNamee, former director of the Foundation’s Life: Powered initiative, on his confirmation as FERC commissioner. “I, along with my colleagues at the Foundation, am thrilled to congratulate Bernie McNamee on his confirmation to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission,” said TPPF’s Executive Director Kevin Roberts. “Bernie...
Press Release December 7, 2018