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

Black Empowerment

What to Know: President Trump has unveiled his “Platinum Plan” for empowering Black communities and families.

The TPPF Take: President Trump’s plan ensures that all Americans have access to education and job training—the paths forward for all of us.

“Too many Black students are trapped in underperforming school districts, and that’s why Black parents overwhelmingly want school choice,” says TPPF’s Richard Johnson. “President Trump supports that. He also worked to restore funding to Historically Black Colleges and Universities and to expand job training for the skilled trades.”

Prohibition and Penalties

What to Know: The Harris County Judge won’t allow bars to reopen on Wednesday, when they will in much of the rest of the state.

The TPPF Take: This is consistent with the County Judge’s initial plan to fine anyone not wearing a mask $1,000.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, state and local officials have been operating under broad authority placing many new rules and restrictions on Texans and their engagement in everyday activities,” says TPPF’s Shelby Sterling. “Some of these restrictions, such as social distancing guidelines, are grounded in reason and advance a meaningful public health objection but other constraints have been less reasonable and more constrictive than necessary.”

Border Security

What to Know: Border security has emerged as an important issue in a closely watched Senate race in Arizona.

The TPPF Take: President Trump’s policies improving border security could easily be undone by a new administration.

“The current presidential administration took multiple actions to effectively address the border crisis of 2019,” says TPPF’s Grace Watson. “However, some of the gains that have been achieved are quite fragile, due to variables such as the impact of the pandemic, instability in the region and the upcoming U.S. presidential election.”