Connecting today’s news with the research & opinion you need.

Bad Medicine

What to Know: More and more Americans are seeing their doctor’s orders denied by their insurance companies, which second-guess the physicians.

The TPPF Take: Americans need to be empowered to make their own decisions about their health care, based on the advice of their doctors.

“The underlying problem here is that insurance companies are making medical decisions for patients,” says TPPF’s David Balat. “More government control—such as under any of the Medicare-for-All schemes we’re hearing about these days—would only make this problem worse. We need closer relationships between patients and physicians, not patients and bureaucrats."

Where’d They Go?

What to Know: How does enrollment into Austin ISD schools continue to decline—when the city continues to grow at such a rapid pace?

The TPPF Take: Enrollment declines in a city with a fast-growing population show that parents aren’t willing to sacrifice their children’s educations.

“School bureaucracies are ruining students’ chances of getting a quality education, as well as the ability of good teachers to provide an excellent academic experience for all kids,” says TPPF’s Emily Sass. “For the parents who can, they have to look for other opportunities that better meet their child’s needs rather than letting them languish in poor performing schools. Who can blame them?”

Civics Education

What to Know: There’s an increased focus on civics education—the knowledge our children need to become effective, empowered citizens.

The TPPF Take: TPPF is doing its part, with a Summer Institute for High School Civics.

“We invite qualified teachers from across our great nation to participate in a week-long classroom session that hopes to enhance understanding of the fundamental political, intellectual, and moral principles that informed the construction of the American regime,” says TPPF’s Tom Lindsay. “This highly competitive, TEA-approved Summer Institute class will provide 30 hours of professional development during a one-week period this summer.”