Ah, Christmas Memories

What to Know: Who can forget that unforgettable Enrique Iglesias concert in McAllen at Christmas in 2015—the concert funded by taxpayers? When the contract for that event was finally revealed, it showed the city paid Iglesias $485,000 and met his many oddball demands (such as Ketel One vodka in his dressing room... “NO SUBSTITUTES”).

The TPPF Take: That information only came to light when lawmakers passed a strong bill (supported by TPPF) on government transparency.

“Public information is an essential ingredient in holding our elected officials accountable,” says TPPF’s James Quintero. “Senate Bill 943 gave Texans greater access to information related to government spending and strengthened the public’s right to know.”

For more on SB 943, click here.

Come and Take It

What to Know: Numerous bills relating to firearms have been filed in the Legislature for the upcoming session. Some would restrict the Second Amendment rights of Texans.

The TPPF Take: People have a right to defend themselves and their families—that’s what’s enshrined in the Second Amendment.

“Like the rest of the Bill of Rights, the Second Amendment is a direct response to the predations of the English Crown upon the American colonists,” says TPPF’s Derek Cohen. “The right to keep and bear arms exists as one of the most foundational liberties of free citizens of a republic.”

For more on the Second Amendment, click here.

Room For Improvement

What to Know: The Texas unemployment rate in November rose to 8.1%, which is the 8th highest in the nation.

The TPPF Take: Economic recovery from the pandemic and government-induced recession has been uneven.

“Texas families and employers have experienced a whiplash of booms and busts in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and shutdowns by state and local governments,” says TPPF’s Vance Ginn. “The tradeoffs of partial reopenings and increased capacity restrictions of businesses due to the rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations has led to elevated uncertainty that has slowed economic activity. To improve the lives and livelihoods that freedom brings to Texans, Texas should safely reopen with the vaccine on its way and use a policy approach that targets resources to those who need them most and removes government barriers.”

For more on the Texas economy, click here.