“In a time when people and businesses can least afford it, local governments continue to threaten to take what they have left,” says TPPF’s Shelby Sterling. “While continuing the best health practices is imperative for keeping people safe, shutting down the economy again is not a valid option. As a result of the government-mandated shutdowns, more than 8,900 Texas businesses have permanently closed with more 5,300 more businesses on the brink.”

“It’s outrageous that public schools are giving superintendents bags of cash on their way out of the door. This is taxpayer abuse of the highest order,” says TPPF’s James Quintero. “Strict new laws are need to limit the size of a severance payment, restrict who is eligible to receive one, and force disclosure of the details.”

“Now is also the time for lawmakers to consider granting more flexibility to districts in how they spend their CTE allocations,” says TPPF’s Erin Davis Valdez. “We can incentivize schools to collaborate with community organizations and businesses, which are racing to rebuild civil society and local economies.”