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

That’s Not a Loophole

 

What to Know: Harris County may soon raise property taxes by more than 3.5 percent without voter approval, citing a “loophole” in Senate Bill 2. Texas Governor Greg Abbott and other top state officials have made it clear that local leaders should not cut voters out of the tax rate-setting process.

 

The TPPF Take: Talk of enormous property tax increases by Harris County is uncalled for. Now is not the time for massive tax increases.

 

“Harris County residents have a lot to worry about right now—but huge tax hikes shouldn’t be one,” says TPPF’s James Quintero. “Taxpayers need a chance to catch their breath and recover. County government is more than capable of granting them that relief too. It has significant padding in its budget.”
CANNON BANNER (32)

Let’s Make It Clear

 

What to Know: A new poll shows that many Americans think the health care system is “rigged” in ways that “raise prices and harm patients.”

 

The TPPF Take: It’s true that much of the time, patients have little power and less control over their own health care.

 

“The answer is to put patients back in charge,” says TPPF’s David Balat. “That beings with transparency, which includes letting people know the prices they’re going to be charged for medical procedures. That would eliminate surprise billing, which remains a top concern for many Americans.”

Hope for Families

 

What to Know: Congress is considering legislation that will help families reunite with kids in foster care.

 

The TPPF Take: Government-imposed shutdowns related to the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in disruptions to services and critical court hearings intended to facilitate the reunification of families.

 

“Parents who were diligently working services suddenly, and through no fault of their own, found themselves unable to access these services while the clock continues to run on arbitrary timelines governing termination of parental rights,” says TPPF’s Andrew Brown. “We owe it to these families to temporarily suspend these timelines and honor their decision to take personal responsibility by doing the hard work necessary to preserve their families.”