Just Do It

What to Know: Incoming state lawmakers “are poised to end taxpayer-funded lobbying in 2021 and other states are likely to follow suit,” according to Forbes. Nearly nine out of ten Texans (88%) say they oppose using tax dollars to fund lobbyists versus just five percent who say they support it.

The TPPF Take: The next Texas Legislature could finally end an abusive practice that hurts taxpayers, promotes big government, and stalls countless conservative priorities. If successful, Texas would set the example for every other state to follow.

“Texas must lead on this critical issue. The future of the State—and even the nation—depend upon it,” says TPPF’s James Quintero. “The good news is that virtually every Texan agrees on banning taxpayer-funded lobbying. The only folks that don’t are Austin lobbyists.”

This is the Cure?

What to Know: Up to 20 percent of small businesses say they will have to close their doors if the economy isn’t opened back up soon.

The TPPF Take: We can’t allow the response to the COVID-19 pandemic to be worse than the disease.

It’s Failed

What to Know: Even the New York Times now acknowledges that the Affordable Care Act didn’t make health care more affordable for most Americans.

The TPPF Take: Now more than 10 years old, the ACA has failed to deliver on every promise.

“New benefits mandates and new taxes on providers, drugs, and medical devices increased costs that are ultimately passed on to consumers via skyrocketing premiums,” says TPPF’s Hana Arriaga. “Elimination of ACA could prove beneficial to Americans as it gives states the power to build meaningful legislation to counter the unintended consequences of the policy.”