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Connecting today’s news with the research & opinion you need.
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Not How That Works

What to Know: The San Antonio Express-News has a new editorial lamenting high college tuition and burdensome student loans—and blames the Legislature for the universities’ decisions to raise tuition.

The TPPF Take: Don’t blame the Legislature; “state disinvestment” in higher education is largely a myth.

“Over time, the evidence clearly shows that state funding for colleges and universities has largely been stable,” says TPPF’s Andrew Gillen. “If you look at all of the available data and use a legitimate price index to adjust for inflation, then the conclusion is clear—states have not been disinvesting in higher education. Universities themselves are to blame for skyrocketing tuition.”
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Apprenticed to Learn

What to Know: Apprenticeships for skilled trades, such as welding, are making a comeback.

The TPPF Take: Many high-paying careers in the skilled trades don’t require college.

“Rather than tackling college with its required courses, many young people might be better off by finding an employer in the manufacturing or construction business who is willing to teach the basics on the job,” says TPPF’s Erin Valdez. “In addition to the usual job search websites, local unions, and Apprenticeship.gov are sources of information about where to find entry-level jobs that offer earn-while-you learn experience.”
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Collateral Damage

What to Know: Medicare-for-All wouldn’t just wreck the health care industry; it would cost Americans 1.8 million jobs. And that’s not counting health care workers that would be cut because of lower reimbursement rates.

The TPPF Take: Medicare-for-All would devastate the U.S. economy, with no gain in health care outcomes.

“The cost of health care has risen every time government involvement increases and layers of bureaucracy are added,” says TPPF’s David Balat. “Medicare-for-All would mean much more bureaucracy, more costs, and far less care—and, we know now, fewer jobs. Instead of Medicare-for-All, Congress should let states take up health care reform.”