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Dangerous Policy

What to Know: The Austin Police Association says understaffing has resulted in longer 9-1-1 call response times. The officer shortage comes a few months after the “Austin City Council voted to cut the police budget” in a big way.

The TPPF Take: Defunding the police is dangerous policy.

“Austin defunded the police, and now people in need are paying for it,” says TPPF’s James Quintero. “The city’s politicization of public safety could soon backfire. Already, concerned citizens and top officials have begun discussing plans for a state takeover of local law enforcement in response. Proponents argue that the state has a special duty to keep Austin safe since it is the seat of government, the base of operations for numerous state agencies, and the home to a vast workforce."

Youth Vote

What to Know: More young people than ever say they’ll vote in the Nov. 3 general election.

The TPPF Take: This is precisely why we need better civics education.

“Unfortunately, many people my age do not believe that America is worth loving,” says TPPF’s Anthony Jones. “This position is certainly understandable. Recent riots, violence and corruption remind us that America is far from perfect. It doesn’t have to be this way. Some colleges — like mine — offer a holistic perspective of American history and honor our characteristic values.”

Ghosts of Tom Joad

What to Know: California continues to lead the nation in poverty, with government policies making matters worse.

The TPPF Take: Some Texas cities, led by Austin, are attempting to replicate California’s disastrous policies.

“California’s persistently high housing costs drive almost 2 million people into poverty, with 17.2% of Californians in poverty, the nation’s highest, compared to 12.5% nationally,” notes TPPF’s Chuck DeVore. “For the past 10 years, California has had the nation’s highest poverty rate as determined by the Supplemental Poverty Measure. We must ensure that Texas doesn’t follow suit.”