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The Link Won’t Open Itself

(unless you’re Chuck Norris)

What to Know: Action star (and martial arts educator) Chuck Norris is a featured author in “Making Government Work,” a new book published by state Rep. Tan Parker and TPPF.

The TPPF Take: “Making Government Work” is a compilation of essays from a host of the most influential conservatives in America.

“Its title reveals not only our collective goal and mission but also something that most feel can’t happen,” says Chuck, a TPPF friend. “And as far as the topic of my chapter contribution in Tan’s book, I’ll give you a hint: Every Texas Ranger is grateful and loves this constitutional amendment in particular!”

What Recession?

What to Know: For the second year in a row, the Travis County Commissioners’ Court adopted a higher tax rate and increased spending in a big way. Commissioners raised the total tax rate by 1.4% and approved “a 7.07% year-over-year increase for the general fund.”

The TPPF Take: Now is not the time to raise tax rates and grow government spending. Counties should be doing the exact opposite.

“Texans are enduring the worst economic downturn in modern American history and yet some liberal local governments continue to tax-and-spend as if there were no tomorrow,” says TPPF’s James Quintero. “The lack of fiscal restraint should concern state lawmakers, and prompt swift action to protect taxpayers. We must stop the ongoing California-zation of Texas cities and counties.”

Foster Care

What to Know: Some child welfare advocates are using arbitrary foster care deadlines against families during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The TPPF Take: Given these high stakes and the unprecedented challenges created by COVID-19, we must take steps to avoid unnecessarily severing family bonds.

“Children deserve the right to be with their families whenever safely possible,” says TPPF’s Andrew Brown. “Temporarily pausing termination timelines is a compassionate, pro-family solution that boldly states we will not allow this pandemic to lead to the tragic and unnecessary destruction of families.”