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

You Don’t Say

What to Know: Austin officials are finally speaking the truth—the city’s Green New Deal will cost a lot, accomplish nothing.

The TPPF Take: Austin’s plan would inevitably attempt to limit our freedoms, for no environmental gains.

“It’s amazing to hear an Austin official admit, ‘If you really wanted to stop all carbon emissions you’d have to turn off all the lights and stay home,’” says TPPF’s Jason Isaac. “That’s true. Fortunately for us, the best way to become more resilient AND improve our environment is to champion the abundant, reliable and affordable energy that has powered the most prosperous age of humanity yet — improving our quality of life and reducing poverty.”

A Run for the Border

What to Know: The state of Utah is sending its employees to nearby Mexico to get their prescriptions drugs cheaper.

The TPPF Take: High drug prices—often driven up by the Pharmacy Benefits Managers (PBMs) and/or Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs) are just one symptom of what’s wrong with our health care.

“Price fixing and pricing caps have done more to inflate costs in healthcare than to help patients achieve more affordability,” says TPPF’s David Balat. “Direct pharmacy or direct dispensing by physicians, on the other hand, have resulted in low-cost medications that are affordable and typically less than a copay."

Budget Time

What to Know: President Trump has submitted a proposed budget that includes significant reforms to federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security.

The TPPF Take: It’s just a starting point—Congress has the ultimate say over the federal budget—but the president’s draft includes real improvements for the Department of Homeland Security.

“The right mix of personnel, technology and infrastructure is essential to securing the border, and the administration’s new budget proposal strengthens all three of those critical elements,” says TPPF’s John Hostettler. “The proposed budget would result in a major strengthening of border security and immigration law enforcement.”