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

The Wrong Kind of Texas Flood

What to Know: A recent rain event caused a creek to overflow near an encampment for those experiencing homelessness. As one nearby resident explained, “There were thousands of pounds of trash, human waste, and needles washing through our backyards and the creek bed.”

The TPPF Take: Austin’s failed policies have increased homelessness, not decreased it. Nor have they improved the lives of the homeless population.

“The approach chosen by Austin’s county and city leaders is simply not working. However, Austin’s elected officials continue to stand 100% behind their failed approach,” says TPPF Senior Fellow Michele Steeb. “The ‘Housing First’ approach has no expectation that the people housed will address their underlying issues of addiction, mental illness, trauma, lack of work experience, and/or lack of education. We must treat them as individuals, and help them reach their God-given potential.”

What Recession?

What to Know: Local governments in Tarrant County want to raise taxes and spend more—possibly even giving themselves pay raises—prompting the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s editorial board to ask: “Did anyone tell our local elected officials we’re in a recession?”

The TPPF Take: The editorial board is right. Despite sky-high unemployment and mile-long lines at food banks, local elected officials in Tarrant County and elsewhere seem unable to cut taxes and shrink spending. But this no time for business as usual.

“The crises we face are great. Our response must be greater—and in a more conservative direction,” says TPPF’s James Quintero. “We live in extraordinary times. Local elected officials must begin acting like it, and reduce the burden of government accordingly.”

Workplace Safety

What to Know: Workplace safety has taken on a whole new dimension in the coronavirus pandemic.

The TPPF Take: Government should support workplace safety—then get out of the way.

“Government certainly has a role in providing information, guidance and support,” says TPPF’s Rod Bordelon. “But ultimately its best approach is to serve as a partner and allow the private sector to operate and thrive. Businesses and workers around the country have stepped up already to take proper precautions for workplace safety.”