TPPF: Affordable Baccalaureate Programs Provide Greater Socioeconomic Mobility for Texans

AUSTIN— Today, the Texas Public Policy Foundation published the policy perspective Expanding the College Pricing Revolution: 2019 Update on the Texas Affordable Baccalaureate Program. “In the seven years following then-Gov. Rick Perry’s State of the State Address in which he called for the creation of affordable bachelor’s degree programs, Texas’ public universities have risen to...

Press Release April 25, 2019

TPPF: Renewable Energy Subsidies Expected to Cost Texas Taxpayers $36 Billion by 2029

AUSTIN— Today, the Texas Public Policy Foundation published the policy perspective The Cost of Renewable Energy Subsidies in Texas. “Texas consumers and taxpayers are paying billions of dollars to support corporations who are relying on subsidies to profit from an otherwise profitless endeavor—generating electricity from the wind and sun,” said Bill Peacock, vice president of...

Press Release April 23, 2019

TPPF: Texas Can Cut Property Taxes Without Increasing Other Tax Burdens

AUSTIN— With HJR3 recently being heard in the House Ways and Means Committee, the Texas Public Policy Foundation released numerous options for giving Texans real property tax cuts without having to increase the burden on taxpayers in other areas. “Our legislators should be commended for asking the right question: how do we deliver real property tax...

Press Release April 18, 2019

TPPF: Economic Development Programs Need More Accountability

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, 2019

TPPF Applauds Texas Senate for Preliminary Passage of Employment Freedom Bills

AUSTIN—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, 2019

TPPF: Texas Senate Passes Historic Property Tax Reform

AUSTIN— 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, 2019

TPPF’s Jacki Deason to Receive Award on Senate Floor

AUSTIN— 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, 2019

TPPF Applauds Senate Passage of Two Employment Freedom Bills

AUSTIN—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, 2019

TPPF Publishes Perspective Examining Trauma to Children Through CPS Removal

AUSTIN—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, 2019

TPPF Applauds Texas Leadership on Property Tax Relief

AUSTIN— 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, 2019

TPPF Commends the Administration’s Commitment to American Energy Independence

AUSTIN— 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, 2019

TPPF Applauds Preliminary House Passage of Bill to End Forced Annexation

AUSTIN— 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, 2019