Foundation encourages Sunset Commission to adopt insurance reforms that increase competition and lower rates

AUSTIN – At its meeting tomorrow, the Sunset Advisory Commission should embrace free-market insurance reforms that reduce costs to both consumers and taxpayers. “Excessive insurance regulations raise costs for insurers and consumers, and drive insurers from the state,” said Foundation policy analyst Drew Thornley. “Stripping the Insurance Code’s conflicting provisions and arbitrary standards will make...

Press Release September 23, 2008

Report recommends teacher incentive pay measures

AUSTIN – Teacher incentive pay programs in Texas school districts have produced higher test scores, higher state accountability rankings, improved teacher morale, and less teacher turnover, according to “Paying for Results: Examining Incentive Pay in Texas,” a report released today by the Texas Public Policy Foundation with funding from The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation....

Press Release September 16, 2008

Rollins receives top honor for free-market think tank leadership

AUSTIN – Texas Public Policy Foundation President Brooke Rollins received the 2008 Thomas Roe Award, the top honor for free-market think tank leadership, at a banquet last night during the State Policy Network’s annual meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona. “Brooke Rollins’ ability and passion for conservative principles are evident to anyone who has been in her...

Press Release September 12, 2008

Laffer declares Texas winner in economic rivalry with California

AUSTIN – Internationally renowned economist Dr. Arthur Laffer declared Texas the knockout winner of its economic rivalry with California and predicted a bright future for the Lone Star State due to its commitment to low taxes and limited government. “The result of a head-to-head competition between Texas and California is an economic blowout,” Laffer said....

Press Release September 9, 2008

Statement on leadership’s agreement on transportation funding

“This agreement to address transportation needs in Texas represents a significant step towards reducing traffic congestion and improving the flow of people and goods. Governor Perry, Lt. Governor Dewhurst and Speaker Craddick are to be commended for their unity and resolve to address this challenge. “It is critical that the diversion of dedicated fuel tax...

Press Release August 21, 2008

Foundation publishes Texas charter school waiting list

AUSTIN – School will open on Monday, but nearly 17,000 Texas children will find the doors to their preferred charter schools locked, according to a report released today by the Texas Public Policy Foundation. “Last year, at least 16,810 Texas students were on a waiting list to attend a public charter school,” said Foundation education...

Press Release August 20, 2008

Foundation issues “sunset” recommendations for Texas Department of Insurance

The most critical action the Texas Legislature can take to fix the Texas homeowners’ insurance market is to complete the transition to a file-and-use regulatory system, according to a report released today by the Texas Public Policy Foundation. “The Texas Legislature started down the right path five years ago by putting file-and-use into Texas law,”...

Press Release August 18, 2008

Statements from the Texas Public Policy Foundation

Talmadge Heflin – Director, Center for Fiscal Policy “The Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s request for a 19% budget increase deserves to be heavily scrutinized by the Texas Legislature. Taxpayers being asked to foot such a large increase for more of the same should be a clear message to legislators that fundamental reform is needed....

Press Release August 14, 2008

Foundation applauds Collin County Financial Transparency Project

AUSTIN – The Texas Public Policy Foundation congratulates Collin County Judge Keith Self and his colleagues on the commissioners court for their successful launch last Friday of the Collin County Financial Transparency Project. “While many cities and counties have their adopted budgets online, it’s refreshing to see Collin County take the initiative to become the...

Press Release August 11, 2008

Statement by Kathleen Hartnett White

"Today's EPA decision will increase food prices, drive up fuel costs, and reduce fuel efficiency at a time when Americans can least afford any of these. "The denial of Gov. Rick Perry's waiver request means the massive distortions in our economy will continue. Texas livestock producers will suffer billions of dollars in additional losses, and...

Press Release August 7, 2008

Statement by Drew Thornley, Natural Resources Policy Analyst

"While the development of renewable energy resources is generally a good thing, we can't hide from its high costs. Building the transmission capacity to carry energy from West Texas and the Panhandle to East Texas will be tremendously expensive. "The costs of building those new transmission lines should be borne by the companies who develop...

Press Release July 17, 2008

Foundation launches TexasBudgetSource.com

AUSTIN – The Texas Public Policy Foundation debuted TexasBudgetSource.com today, a new website that will provide a comprehensive resource for information on state and local government budgets and spending. “Texas has been a leader in the movement to increase transparency of state and local government spending,” said Foundation president Brooke Rollins. “Citizens become better informed...

Press Release July 8, 2008