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Connecting today’s news with the research & opinion you need.

California’s Other Problem

What to Know: Most of America has freed itself of dependency on foreign oil—with the notable exception of California, which still has a foreign oil problem.

The TPPF Take: Californians are paying the price.

“For decades, California has been one of America’s top oil and gas states, producing much of what its residents use to propel their vehicles, light their businesses and heat their homes,” says TPPF’s Chuck DeVore. “But in recent years, the Golden State has become openly hostile to hydrocarbons and the companies that explore for them and pull them from the ground. That means higher prices for Californians, and a dependency on Saudi oil.”

Homelessness

What to Know: Gov. Greg Abbott has told Austin to fix its flawed “public camping” ordinance that has caused an explosion in homelessness issues, or the state will step in.

The TPPF Take: Austin leaders have exacerbated the homelessness crisis in the city, creating public health hazards.

“Mayor Adler and the city council are harming all of their residents, including the homeless, in their mimicking the tried-and-failed-policies of San Francisco, Seattle, and other liberal cities,” says TPPF’s Kevin Roberts. “We encourage government at all levels to get out of the way of the countless people across our country who through charities, churches, businesses, and individual effort are trying to get to the core issues—including unemployment, substance abuse, and a lack of educational opportunities— surrounding the homeless problem we face today.”

Pricey Intern

What to Know: The city of Houston hired a 31-year-old intern for its airport system—for $95,000 a year.

The TPPF Take: Houston is broke, so why is it creating $95,000-per-year jobs for interns?

“The city of Houston struggles to balance its budget and lower taxes. It’s weighed down by $21 billion in public debt,” says TPPF’s James Quintero. “Its pension debt is up to $4.5 billion. And yet, these fiscal facts did not stop city officials from hiring an intern at $95,000 a year plus benefits. Houstonians should be alarmed.”