TPPF Applauds Senate Passage of Resolution Prohibiting State Funds to Fix Local Pension Problems

 Texas Public Policy Foundation’s James Quintero, director of the Center for Local Governance, issued the following statement on the passage of Senate Joint Resolution 43. The resolution proposes a constitutional amendment specifying that state government is not liable for unfunded pension liabilities accrued by local retirement systems and prohibits the appropriation of funds by the legislature for that purpose.

Press Release April 20, 2017

TPPF Releases Paper on Pretrial Diversion Programs and Mental Health in Policing

The Texas Public Policy Foundation today released a paper on pretrial diversion programs and mental health in policing by Randy Petersen, senior researcher for Right on Crime and the Center for Effective Justice at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. The paper, “Pre-arrest and Pre-booking Diversion and Mental Health in Policing,” examines the effectiveness of pretrial programs around the nation. 

Press Release April 13, 2017

TODAY: TPPF’s Megan Ingram to Testify on State Authority of Energy Production

Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Megan Ingram, research analyst in the Center for Energy and the Environment, will testify on House Concurrent Resolution 84, which is related to state authority of oil and gas production. Ingram will testify before the Texas House Select Committee on State & Federal Power & Responsibility TODAY, Thursday, April 13, 2017 at 8:00 a.m. CDT in Room E2.036 at the Texas State Capitol.

Press Release April 13, 2017

Former U.S. Senator Phil Gramm Sends Letter to Texas Legislature on Ending Forced Annexation

Today, former U.S. Senator Phil Gramm sent a letter of encouragement to every member of the Texas Legislature to continue on the path to ending forced annexation. By putting a stop to this practice and allowing property owners a chance to vote on annexation, the Legislature will “protect Texans’ rights to self-determination, free association, and private property,” Gramm wrote. The Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Center for Local Governance Director James Quintero issued the following statement on the letter:

Press Release April 12, 2017

TPPF Applauds Senate Passage of Bill to Provide Ballot Transparency

Texas Public Policy Foundation’s James Quintero, director of the Center for Local Governance, issued the following statement on the passage of Senate Bill 461. The bill, which passed the Texas Senate unanimously, would provide voters with greater ballot box transparency. Among its provisions, the Senate-approved bill would require ballots to include the estimated maximum annual tax increase of the proposals under consideration.

Press Release April 12, 2017

TODAY: TPPF’s Quintero to Testify on Local Debt Reforms

Texas Public Policy Foundation’s James Quintero, director of the Center for Local Governance, will testify in support of House Bill 3336, which would enact local debt reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability. Quintero will testify before the Texas House Committee on Investments & Financial Services TODAY, Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. CDT or upon adjournment in Room E2.010 at the Texas Capitol.

Press Release April 11, 2017