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

Pretty Much the Wurst Idea

What to Know: Germany wants to raise taxes on meat—including its beloved sausages—in an effort to fight climate change.

The TPPF Take: This won’t go over well.

“Germany has a history of bad, expensive—and worse, ineffective—policies for fighting climate change,” says TPPF’s Jason Isaac. “Renewable power mandates have caused electricity prices to rise over 50%—and coal plants are subsidized to provide power when the wind isn’t blowing and the sun isn’t shining. Free market solutions, such as innovation, is what Germany should be focusing on.”

Direct Primary Care

What to Know: Industry newsletter Employee Benefit Advisor says direct primary care is picking up speed—and popularity with employers.

The TPPF Take: Direct primary care is gaining popularity in the workplace—especially with workers. Just ask Houston business owner Patrick Murrow.

“It’s so good we actually pitch direct primary care in interviews now,” Murrow says. “We tell them, ‘Not only do we have health care, we have something better than health care. You can text your doctor at nine o’clock at night.’ That’s a big deal for people.”

That’s Refreshing

What to Know: Denton County is proposing a (slightly) lower tax rate—even as more and more cities and counties are raising theirs, in anticipation of Senate Bill 2’s new limits, set to go into effect next year.

The TPPF Take: Local governments that raise their rates now (for many, it’s as much as they can without risking a rollback election) are circumventing the spirit of SB 2.

"Denton County's proposed lower tax rate is the right response to soaring appraisals. As values go up, tax rates should come down," said TPPF's James Quintero. "Homeowners and businesses outside of Denton County should take note and press their own local officials to follow suit."