Protecting Your Vote

What to Know: Former Texas Congressman Francisco “Quico” Canseco will lead the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s new Election Integrity project.

The TPPF Take: This project will focus on the integrity of every ballot cast.

“A citizen’s right to vote is the most fundamental feature of a representative democracy,” says TPPF’s Kevin Roberts. “I can think of no one better to lead this project than Quico Conseco, whose background as an elected official and businessman gives him a unique understanding of our election systems and exactly what is at stake in protecting every vote.”

It’s Out!

What to Know: TPPF’s Ellen Troxclair’s new book, Step Up! How to Advocate Like a Woman,” is now available.

The TPPF Take: In her new book, Ellen—the youngest woman to ever serve on the Austin City Council—makes the case for getting more right-of-center women involved in policy and politics, and why men are essentialf allies in this effort.

Local Debt

What to Know: Cities, counties, and school districts are planning to ask voters to approve billions more in new debt in May 2020. Some forthcoming propositions include: Friendswood ISD’s $128 million bond; the city of Amarillo’s $275 million bond; Comal ISD’s $398 million bond; and the city of Irving’s $563 million bond.

The TPPF Take: More debt means higher taxes—something Texans can ill-afford at the moment.

“Texas’ local governments are addicted to debt. This culture of dependency is causing taxes to rise and family fortunes to dip,” says TPPF’s James Quintero. “The status quo is unsustainable, especially in today’s tumultuous times. State lawmakers must continue to rein in local governments next session.”