Starting Today

What to Know: TPPF’s Policy Orientation 2021 kicks off today at 11:30 a.m. with an opening keynote speech from Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.

The TPPF Take: Patrick’s speech will be followed by an afternoon full of information sessions, including one on the Conservative Texas Budget.

“At a time when many families are struggling, it is essential that the Legislature maintain conservative fiscal policies, so Texans have the best opportunity to flourish,” says TPPF’s Vance Ginn. “This can be done by assuring that the budget increases by no more than the maximum threshold of the Conservative Texas Budget, reducing spending where appropriate, cutting taxes, and rolling back regulations as we outlined in the Foundation's Responsible Recovery Agenda.”

For more on the Conservative Texas Budget, click here.

Don’t Expand It

What to Know: A new opinion piece in the Dallas Morning News warns that if Texas expands Medicaid via the Affordable Care Act, demand will quickly outstrip supply.

The TPPF Take: Expanding Medicaid would hurt the most vulnerable Texans.

“When proponents say they want to expand Medicaid, what they mean is to allow able-bodied people to access the doctors and dollars meant for the truly poor and disabled,” says TPPF’s David Balat. “This would result in an obvious crowding-out effect as patients jockey for finite resources.”

For more on Medicaid expansion, click here.

What About Us?

What to Know: President-elect Joe Biden’s stimulus plans include massive subsidies for “green” energy jobs. This, after he has consistently downplayed the importance of the fossil fuel industry and its jobs.

The TPPF Take: The administration shouldn’t demonize oil and gas workers.

"The men and women harvesting the energy we use every day care deeply about preserving our country’s natural beauty and go to great lengths to ensure the laws we have to protect the environment are followed,” says TPPF Liberty Leadership Council member Daniel Andrade. “These companies are working hard to provide America with our energy needs the right way.”

For more on oil and gas workers, click here.