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

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What to Know: Students at Dripping Springs High School can graduate with a real estate license.

The TPPF Take: College isn’t for everyone.

“Even as high school students are waking up to the fact that a college degree isn’t a sure path to success, the business community is realizing that degrees don’t necessarily equate to skills,” says TPPF’s Ron Simmons. “Meanwhile, high-paying jobs in the skilled trades and other fields are going unfilled. It’s time for all of us to rethink our society’s college-for-all assumption.”

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What to Know: America’s newfound energy independence has led to a “great American comeback,” as one member of Congress writes.

The TPPF Take: Thank U.S. innovation for the nation’s energy independence.

“Through new technology and balanced approaches to energy development, America is releasing itself from its historic dependence on imports,” says TPPF’s Jason Isaac. “Energy has enabled the United States to become the largest economy in the world. Energy is no longer just a sector of our economy; it influences every product ever made and service ever contracted.”

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What to Know: The controversial Harris County Department of Education just gave its school superintendent a 23% pay raise, bringing his base salary to $290,000. HCDE also doubled its contributions to the superintendent’s retirement account and extended a $900 monthly car allowance.

The TPPF Take: Superintendent compensation is out of control, and it’s hurting kids in the classroom.

“Public schools are not places for people to get rich,” says TPPF’s James Quintero. “Yet a growing number of school superintendents are raking in six-figure salaries and incredible benefits. Some are even earning more than the President of the United States. That’s an outrage, especially when are our kids are losing out because of it.”