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

Black Men Matter

What to Know: Black men wearing suits marched in Syracuse on Saturday, in an effort to show that Black men “are not just thugs and thieves, … but they’re also powerful beings and leaders in our community.”

The TPPF Take: President Trump’s First Step Act has released thousands of Black men from prison, enabling them to return to their communities and become contributing members and even leaders.

“The First Step Act is doing more than just bringing Black men home; it’s also helping them to reclaim their lives,” says TPPF’s Richard Johnson. “It funds rehabilitation efforts to prepare prisoners to return to society. The Bureau of Prisons now helps inmates apply for the official documents they’ll need once they’re free, and for the government assistance that can help them make the transition.”

It’s the Principal of the Matter

What to Know: Public school principals across the state got “thousands in pay raises” this summer, even as the government shutdown crippled the economy and drove countless businesses to the brink of bankruptcy.

The TPPF Take: While Texans endured the worst economic downturn in modern American history, many public school principals got hefty raises. Some received as much as $16,000 more per year.

“Highly-paid public servants received raises while the masses suffered record unemployment and mile-long lines at food banks. That is a violation of the public trust,” says TPPF’s James Quintero. “School districts must do better. This is no time for callous government.”

Making Government Work

What to Know: Vice President Joe Biden has a new campaign slogan—“Build Back Better.” It largely involves centralizing political power in Washington.

The TPPF Take: The right way to build back better is to refocus on federalism—the proper balance of power between the federal government and the states. TPPF and state Rep. Tan Parker have published a new book outlining just how, titled “Making Government Work.”

“The pandemic hasn’t changed everything — but it has brought into sharper focus our need to put forth a compelling blueprint for what we believe as conservatives on a wide range of public policy subjects,” Tan explains. “That’s what we hope to achieve with ‘Making Government Work.’ It’s up to us to ensure that freedom endures.”