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

Water You Thinking?

What to Know: In spite of a global pandemic and the worst economy in modern times, the city of Amarillo is set to issue $7.9 million in certificates of obligation (aka nonvoter approved debt) to build a “state-of-the-art” water park featuring a lazy river, poolside cabanas, and more. In fiscal year 2019, the city’s outstanding debt totaled $398 million or more than $2,000 owed per resident.

The TPPF Take: Cities shouldn’t own water parks. Cities definitely shouldn’t go into debt to own a water park. Cities absolutely shouldn’t go into debt to own a water park during an economic meltdown.

“Government doesn’t belong in the water park business,” says TPPF’s James Quintero. “Amarillo’s ill-advised borrowing binge underscores the need to eliminate certificates of obligation. Local officials continue to misuse this instrument to the detriment of struggling taxpayers.”

Oh, Canada

What to Know: The Canadian province of Alberta is clearing the way to allow more surgeries—through privatization.

The TPPF Take: While progressives tell the U.S. to emulate the Canadian health care system, Canadians are emulating ours.

“The lesson for Americans in Canada’s health care troubles is that monolithic, single-payer systems don’t work, and the reforms we seek should be more market-oriented,” says TPPF’s David Balat. “Individuals who are in control of their health care decisions keep those organizations in the private sector accountable when they are both the customer and the payer.”

School’s Out

What to Know: California’s two largest public school systems are the first to announce they won’t reopen in the fall. Classes will be held remotely.

The TPPF Take: The COVID pandemic highlights need for more choices in education.

“Parents should have the ability to choose the best option for their kids,” says TPPF’s Erin Valdez. “We have an opportunity now to ensure that education changes for the better — that Texas schoolkids can learn in the way that suits them best, whether it’s in a traditional classroom, or online, or even through an innovative apprenticeship. We can give families more choices.”