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Press Releases

Foundation: Don’t lock children out of charter schools November 20, 2008
State Board of Education expected to award final six charters this week
  Tens of thousands of Texas school children will be locked out of the school that can best meet their needs once the State Board of Education hits the Texas Legislature’s cap on charter schools later this week.
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Statement on the 2010-11 state budget growth limitNovember 14, 2008
Statement by The Honorable Talmadge Heflin, Director of the Center for Fiscal Policy:
  “Next year, the Texas Legislature will reveal whether it has learned the lessons of 2001 or whether it will spend us into another budget crisis. By choosing one of the more conservative options on the 2010-11 spending limit, today’s Legislative Budget Board decision is a positive sign.”
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Statement on the Sunset Advisory Commission’s staff report on Texas’ juvenile justice agenciesNovember 12, 2008
Statement by Marc Levin, Director of the Center for Effective Justice
  "The Sunset Advisory Commission's staff recommendations would create a Texas juvenile justice system that produces better results for youths, crime victims, and taxpayers."
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Statement on Gov. Rick Perry’s suspension of Texas’ information technology contractOctober 28, 2008
Statement by Justin Keener, Vice President of Policy and Communications
  "Gov. Perry's action today highlights a major advantage of privatizing government services. When a function performed by government goes wrong, bureaucratic rules often protect the personnel or programs at fault. But when a private vendor is involved, the state can hold it accountable to its contract and ultimately seek competition from other vendors."
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Texas consumers to pay steep price for rush to wind energyOctober 28, 2008
Foundation report looks at costs, challenges of harnessing wind for electricity
  Texas’ efforts to make it the nation’s leading wind energy state have come at a cost – at least $60 billion between now and 2025 – that will be borne by consumers and taxpayers, according to a report released today by the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
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Statement on Gov. Rick Perry’s calls for fiscal responsibilityOctober 23, 2008
Statement by The Honorable Talmadge Heflin, Director of the Center for Fiscal Policy
  “The Texas Public Policy Foundation applauds the governor’s efforts to keep Texas’ economy vibrant by controlling the growth of government. While the governor acknowledges a requirement for basic government services in the state, he also understands the value of a definitive cap on government spending."
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Andrea Whitman joins Foundation as Program CoordinatorOctober 22, 2008
  Andrea Whitman has joined the Texas Public Policy Foundation in the newly created position of Program Coordinator. She will manage the Foundation’s policy events and supports its policy marketing, media, and outreach activities.
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Renowned climate scientist addresses Houston business leadersOctober 07, 2008
Spencer: Major climate models overestimate human role in global warming
  Speaking today to Houston business leaders, renowned climate scientist Dr. Roy Spencer said that new data collected from NASA satellites show that there are significant errors in the climate models used by the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
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Major Texas Associations Launch Coalition to Urge Lawmakers to Prepare Future WorkforceOctober 02, 2008
Texas Association of Business, Texas Institute for Education Reform, Texas Public Policy Foundation, Governor’s Business Council, Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce Unveil Education Principles
  Several major trade associations and research organizations today formally launched the Texas Coalition for a Competitive Workforce (TCCW) to encourage focus on career and college readiness in public schools; improved career and technology education; and expanded teacher incentives -- all with the goal of better preparing students for life after high school.
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Foundation praises Sunset Commission support for competitive insurance reformsSeptember 24, 2008
TWIA measures will limit taxpayer exposure to future hurricane damage
  Today, the Sunset Advisory Commission approved reforms that will make the Texas homeowners’ insurance market more competitive and reduce costs for both consumers and taxpayers.
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Foundation encourages Sunset Commission to adopt insurance reforms that increase competition and lower ratesSeptember 23, 2008
  At its meeting tomorrow, the Sunset Advisory Commission should embrace free-market insurance reforms that reduce costs to both consumers and taxpayers.
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Report recommends teacher incentive pay measuresSeptember 16, 2008
Case studies provide road map for effective implementation
  Teacher incentive pay programs in Texas school districts have produced higher test scores, higher state accountability rankings, improved teacher morale, and less teacher turnover, according to “Paying for Results: Examining Incentive Pay in Texas,” a report released today by the Texas Public Policy Foundation with funding from The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation.
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Rollins receives top honor for free-market think tank leadershipSeptember 12, 2008
  Texas Public Policy Foundation President Brooke Rollins received the 2008 Thomas Roe Award, the top honor for free-market think tank leadership, at a banquet last night during the State Policy Network’s annual meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona.
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Laffer declares Texas winner in economic rivalry with CaliforniaSeptember 09, 2008
Low taxes, limited government give Texas superior long-term growth prospects
  Internationally renowned economist Dr. Arthur Laffer declared Texas the knockout winner of its economic rivalry with California and predicted a bright future for the Lone Star State due to its commitment to low taxes and limited government.
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Statement on leadership’s agreement on transportation fundingAugust 21, 2008
Statement by Justin Keener, Vice President of Policy and Communications
  “This agreement to address transportation needs in Texas represents a significant step towards reducing traffic congestion and improving the flow of people and goods. Governor Perry, Lt. Governor Dewhurst and Speaker Craddick are to be commended for their unity and resolve to address this challenge."
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Foundation publishes Texas charter school waiting listAugust 20, 2008
Nearly 17,000 Texas students waiting to enroll in charter schools
  School will open on Monday, but nearly 17,000 Texas children will find the doors to their preferred charter schools locked, according to a report released today by the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
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Foundation issues “sunset” recommendations for Texas Department of InsuranceAugust 18, 2008
Legislature should complete transition to file-and-use system
  The most critical action the Texas Legislature can take to fix the Texas homeowners’ insurance market is to complete the transition to a file-and-use regulatory system, according to a report released today by the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
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Statements from the Texas Public Policy FoundationAugust 14, 2008
On the TDCJ 2010-11 Legislative Appropriations Request
  The Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s request for a 19% budget increase deserves to be heavily scrutinized by the Texas Legislature. Taxpayers being asked to foot such a large increase for more of the same should be a clear message to legislators that fundamental reform is needed.
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Foundation applauds Collin County Financial Transparency ProjectAugust 11, 2008
Collin is first county in U.S. to post its actual expenditures online
  The Texas Public Policy Foundation congratulates Collin County Judge Keith Self and his colleagues on the commissioners court for their successful launch last Friday of the Collin County Financial Transparency Project.
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Statement by Kathleen Hartnett White, Director of the Center for Natural ResourcesAugust 07, 2008
Waiver denial will increase food prices, drive up fuel costs, and reduce fuel efficiency
  "Today’s EPA decision will increase food prices, drive up fuel costs, and reduce fuel efficiency at a time when Americans can least afford any of these."
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Statement by Kathleen Hartnett White, Director of the Center for Natural ResourcesAugust 01, 2008
On the refusal of congressional leadership to allow an energy debate
  "The American public knows that the congressional bans on drilling are artificially inflating their gasoline prices and shipping tanker-loads of American wealth to unsavory regimes around the world. Yet the congressional leadership continues to defy the clearly expressed will of the majority of the American public and its own membership."
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Statement by Drew Thornley, Natural Resources Policy AnalystJuly 17, 2008
On the Public Utility Commission’s approval of new wind transmission lines
  While the development of renewable energy resources is generally a good thing, we can’t hide from its high costs. Building the transmission capacity to carry energy from West Texas and the Panhandle to East Texas will be tremendously expensive.
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Foundation launches TexasBudgetSource.comJuly 08, 2008
New website allows taxpayers to track spending by state and local governments
  The Texas Public Policy Foundation debuted TexasBudgetSource.com today, a new website that will provide a comprehensive resource for information on state and local government budgets and spending.
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Keener joins Foundation as new Vice President of Policy and CommunicationsJuly 02, 2008
  The Texas Public Policy Foundation announced today that Justin Keener will join the Foundation’s staff on August 1st as its new vice president of policy and communications.
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Foundation debuts TexasHigherEd.com websiteJune 30, 2008
Promotes reforms to strengthen higher education for Texas’ future
  The Texas Public Policy Foundation announced that it had created a new website, www.TexasHigherEd.com, to promote goals and specific reforms that will establish Texas as the outright leader in 21st century higher education.

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Statement by Brooke Dollens Terry, Education Policy AnalystJune 04, 2008
On the Texas Education Agency's order to close Austin's Johnston High School
  We support the Commissioner’s decision to rescue children from a school that has consistently performed below even the state’s minimum expectations. Closing Johnston High School reflects the state’s commitment to hold schools accountable for unacceptable performance, and to give students the chance to move into another educational setting that can prepare them for a successful future.
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Michael Stevens, 1950-2008May 25, 2008
Longtime TPPF board member remembered for contributions to Texas
  The Texas Public Policy Foundation extends its condolences to the family of longtime board member Michael Stevens, who passed away on Saturday.
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Foundation praises new English/Language Arts curriculumMay 23, 2008
SBOE action will address Texas’ severe deficit in grammar ability
  The Texas Public Policy Foundation applauds the State Board of Education for its vote today to raise the rigor of the state’s academic standards in English and language arts.
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University regents deliberate higher education innovationsMay 21, 2008
Foundation: Initiatives will make Texas national leader in higher education
  The regents of Texas’ major state university systems met today to consider a set of common goals and specific reforms that will establish Texas as the outright leader in 21st century higher education.
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Foundation applauds Georgia school choice lawMay 15, 2008
Texas parents should have similar choices for their children
  The signing of a universal school choice law in Georgia should encourage Texas lawmakers to provide parents and students with more educational choices here, according to the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
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Statement by The Honorable Talmadge Heflin, Director of the Center for Fiscal PolicyMay 08, 2008
On recent budget surplus estimates
  The recent estimates of a $10.7 billion to $15 billion state budget surplus vindicate the limited government policies Texas has pursued during the last five years.
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Statement by Kathleen Hartnett White, Director of the Center for Natural ResourcesApril 25, 2008
On Gov. Rick Perry’s request to waive the federal ethanol mandate
  The Governor is correct to call for at least a partial waiver of the federal mandate for grain-based ethanol. Our federal government's policies to subsidize and mandate the ever-expanding supply of ethanol are causing massive distortions in our economy, multi-billion dollar losses to our livestock producers, and severe hardships for Texas families.
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Statement by Foundation President Brooke RollinsMarch 12, 2008
On Gov. Perry’s decision to cut unemployment taxes
  “The decision by Gov. Perry and the Texas Workforce Commission represents government transparency at its best – collect a tax for a particular purpose, and return to the taxpayers any excess funds that are not needed for that purpose. Texas employers have paid more money into the Unemployment Insurance trust fund than necessary, and Gov. Rick Perry has rightly decided to rebate those excess funds."
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Statement by Kathleen Hartnett White, Director of the Center for Natural ResourcesMarch 12, 2008
On the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s new ozone standard
  “Last year, the state of Texas adopted rules to meet the current ozone standard. Those controls will continue to improve Texas ozone levels for years. But there is no action the state can take – not even draconian measures – that can overcome Texas’ climate and topography, as today’s EPA action requires.”
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Heflin named Director of Foundation’s Center for Fiscal PolicyMarch 10, 2008
Former House Appropriations Chairman joins TPPF permanent staff
  The Texas Public Policy Foundation announced today that former House Appropriations Chairman Talmadge Heflin will become Director of the Foundation’s Center for Fiscal Policy, effective March 15, 2008.
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Effective Justice reforms postpone need for new prisonsFebruary 05, 2008
  Revised projections from the Legislative Budget Board confirm that legislative proposals reflecting research and recommendations from the Texas Public Policy Foundation have postponed the need for new prisons by at least two years.
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Foundation announces “Thinking Economically” projectJanuary 18, 2008
Series of papers authored by renowned economist Dr. Arthur Laffer
  Today, the Texas Public Policy Foundation formally released “Violate at Your Own Risk: The Immutability of Economic Laws,” the first paper in the Foundation’s Thinking Economically project.
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Statement from Texas Public Policy Foundation President Brooke RollinsJanuary 15, 2008
On the Federal Spending and Taxpayer Accessibility Act of 2008
  "The Texas Public Policy Foundation has long understood that sunlight is the best disinfectant for rotten government. Wasteful and unethical spending is much less likely to happen when it can be readily exposed to public scrutiny."
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Foundation Establishes Center for Natural ResourcesJanuary 14, 2008
Former TCEQ Chair Kathleen Hartnett White to direct Center’s activities
  Kathleen Hartnett White, the former chair of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), will join the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s staff later this month as the Director of its new Center for Natural Resources.
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Nixon Joins Texas Public Policy Foundation as Senior FellowJanuary 11, 2008
Author of 2003 lawsuit reforms will assist TPPF’s legal research
  The Honorable Joseph M. Nixon has joined the Texas Public Policy Foundation as a Senior Fellow in its Center for Economic Freedom. Foundation President Brooke Rollins made the announcement at last night’s closing dinner of the 6th Annual Policy Orientation for the Texas Legislature.
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Gramm Elected Chairman of Texas Public Policy FoundationNovember 01, 2007
Second term as chairman of Texas’ leading free market think tank
  The Texas Public Policy Foundation recently announced that Dr. Wendy Lee Gramm was elected Chairman of its Board of Directors at its October 30th board meeting.
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Foundation: Global warming debate is not overOctober 01, 2007
Paper refutes claims that global warming caused by humans, is harmful
  A new paper released today by the Texas Public Policy Foundation debunks former Vice President Al Gore’s claim (which he will repeat during his Austin appearance tonight) that “the [global warming] debate is over.”
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Texas consumers will benefit from modernizing insurance marketAugust 28, 2007
Paper recommends shift of TDI focus from rate regulation to fairness and solvency
  The focus of the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) and other Texas policymakers on rate regulation has been misguided and damaging to Texas consumers, according to a new paper released today by the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
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Foundation: University trustees have key role in higher education reformJuly 09, 2007
Trustees must lead on restructuring, quality control, and financial discipline
  A new report from the Texas Public Policy Foundation challenges university trustees to lead the charge in reforming higher education by evaluating their institutions’ mission, organization structure, curriculum and cost-efficiency.
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Governor’s signature repeals unnecessary TIF taxJune 18, 2007
  The Texas Public Policy Foundation applauds Gov. Rick Perry’s signing of House Bill 735, which eliminates the Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund tax in September 2008.
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Statement by Jamie Story, Education Policy Analyst at the Texas Public Policy FoundationJune 15, 2007
On Gov. Rick Perry’s veto of House Bill 2646
  By ignoring student achievement in favor of an arbitrary measure of teacher ‘quality’ such as National Board certification, House Bill 2646 would have undermined the core principle of the incentive pay program that Gov. Perry and the Legislature worked so hard to implement. Gov. Perry’s veto was the correct action.
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Statement by Byron Schlomach, Ph.D., Chief Economist for the Texas Public Policy FoundationJune 15, 2007
On Gov. Rick Perry’s budget line item vetoes
  At the start of this session, we calculated the amount the state budget could increase without creating an additional burden for Texas taxpayers. Keeping the increase in the state budget to roughly 9 percent and in line with estimated population and inflation growth over the coming biennium, we applauded the Legislature for staying near that limit with confidence that Gov. Perry’s line items would further ensure that taxpayers did not feel the growth of state government in their pocketbooks. We are pleased that Gov. Perry found ways to save additional areas in the budget and establish clear limits on state obligations.
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Statement by Bill Peacock, Director of the Center for Economic Freedom at the Texas Public Policy FoundationJune 15, 2007
On Gov. Rick Perry’s veto of House Bill 2006
  We are disappointed by the veto of House Bill 2006, which we believe to be the most significant legislation recognizing and protecting Texans’ most fundamental property rights in decades.
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Stout chosen by Claremont Institute as 2007 Lincoln FellowJune 14, 2007
  The Claremont Institute has selected Mary Katherine Stout, Vice President for Policy and Director of the Center for Health Care Policy at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, as one of its 2007 Lincoln Fellows.
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Statement by Byron Schlomach, Ph.D, Chief Economist for the Texas Public Policy FoundationMay 26, 2007
On the conference report for HB 1, the 2008-09 state budget
  Based on our preliminary analysis, the proposed 2008-09 budget agreement would increase state spending by 9.3 percent over the next two years. This is a dramatic improvement from the previous session's budget growth.
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Senate strengthens property rights legislationMay 24, 2007
House should concur with HB 2006 amendments
  Senate amendments added to HB 2006 and HB 3057 earlier this week significantly strengthen both property owners’ rights and limit the abuse of eminent domain.
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Senate vote moves TIF tax one step closer to extinctionMay 24, 2007
Foundation: Consumer tax cut long overdue
  The Texas Public Policy Foundation applauds the Texas Senate’s approval yesterday of HB 735, which will finally kill off the unnecessary Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund (TIF) tax.
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House to honor Levin for leadership in TYC and adult corrections reformsMay 11, 2007
  Marc Levin, Director of the Center for Effective Justice at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, will be honored on the House floor Monday morning for his efforts to reform the Texas Youth Commission and the adult corrections system.
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Statement by the Honorable Talmadge Heflin, former Chairman of the House Appropriations CommitteeMay 10, 2007
Dunnam amendment hijacked all future property tax cuts
  Texas taxpayers will be outraged once they learn that 81 members of their Texas House have taken hostage all future property tax relief until the Legislature authorizes a massive increase in state spending. Ken Paxton, Rob Eissler, and Bryan Hughes are heroes for standing up for the taxpayers in the face of their 81 colleagues who made a mockery of tax relief.
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Statement by Marc Levin, Director of the Foundation’s Center for Effective JusticeMay 08, 2007
On the Texas House’s passage of SB 103, the Texas Youth Commission reform bill
  We are pleased that both houses of the Texas Legislature have taken decisive action to reform a wayward agency that, in many instances, worsened rather than improved the state of the youth in its custody.
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Day 119…and still no meaningful taxpayer protectionsMay 07, 2007
Foundation disappointed by failure of HJR 44
  Today, the Texas House of Representatives failed to protect taxpayers when it fell seven votes short of the 100 necessary to pass HJR 44 by Rep. Dan Branch (R-Dallas).
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State surplus will support additional 9-cent property tax cutMay 04, 2007
New Foundation projections eliminate fiscal concerns about HB 2785
  The Texas Public Policy Foundation urged the Texas House of Representatives to pass HB 2785 by Rep. Ken Paxton (R-McKinney), scheduled for floor debate later today. The bill would provide an additional 9-cent property tax cut on top of the 50-cent cut passed during last year’s special session.
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Foundation applauds rollback of animal ID mandateApril 25, 2007
Levin: 180 days in jail unjustified for not reporting animals to government
  Yesterday’s House passage of HB 461 is a small but significant step toward removing disproportionate punishments from Texas law, according to the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
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State employees should have Health Savings Account optionApril 19, 2007
Stout: Crownover’s HB 1269 would provide more choices to employees
  AUSTIN – “State employees concerned about the cost and quality of their health care should tell their legislators to let them choose Health Savings Accounts,” according to Mary Katherine Stout, Vice President of Policy and Director of the Center for Health Care Policy at the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
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Texas among three highest states for telecommunications tax burdenApril 19, 2007
New Foundation report shows taxes make up 18-20% of Texas consumers’ phone bills
  A report released today by the Texas Public Policy Foundation underscores how important it is that the Texas Legislature cut taxes on telecommunications services this session.
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Foundation praises Senate passage of drug sentencing reformsApril 17, 2007
SB 1909 diverts low-level, non-violent users from prison to probation, treatment
  AUSTIN - The Senate has taken an important step toward rationalizing our criminal justice system by passing SB 1909 by Senators Rodney Ellis, John Carona, and Robert Deuell, according to Marc Levin, Director of the Center for Effective Justice at the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
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Foundation: Noriega amendment shortchanged outstanding teachersMarch 30, 2007
Urges Texas Senate to return funding to incentive pay program
  The Texas House’s vote last night to punish its best teachers will undermine the state’s objectives to improve teacher quality and student performance, according to the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
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Study: Electric competition has brought substantial benefits to TexasMarch 27, 2007
Market is working; Legislature should nix dramatic changes
  “Competition has brought substantial benefits to Texas in only a few years, both in absolute terms and relative to other states,” according to a study on the Texas electric market released today by the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
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Statement by Mary Katherine Stout, Vice President of Policy for the Texas Public Policy FoundationMarch 13, 2007
On the termination of the Texas Access Alliance contract with HHSC
  Today’s action illustrates the superiority of privatization over government provision of services. If a private vendor fails to meet the agency’s expectations, the state can hold that vendor accountable. Government employees never face such scrutiny for similar failures.
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Holtsberry joins Foundation’s Center for Economic FreedomMarch 12, 2007
  The Texas Public Policy Foundation announced today that Kevin Holtsberry has joined its staff as a policy analyst in the Foundation’s Center for Economic Freedom.
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Statement by former House Appropriations Chairman Talmadge HeflinFebruary 19, 2007
Legislators should exceed spending cap to deliver promised property tax relief
  While conservatives are naturally hesitant to broach a constitutional spending limit that has been in place for 30 years, the goal of property tax relief justifies such a vote tomorrow.
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Foundation applauds signing of Utah universal school choice lawFebruary 13, 2007
Watershed event should encourage Texas legislators to act next
  The signing of the first statewide universal school choice law in Utah sends a strong signal to Texas legislators that they should act now to provide educational freedom and opportunity to Texas families, according to the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
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Texas Public Policy Foundation praises Governor’s budget reform packageJanuary 31, 2007
Proposals would make state budget “leaner and cleaner”
  The Texas Public Policy Foundation praised Governor Rick Perry for the budget reform package he laid out today, saying that the measures – when adopted – would produce a state budget that is both leaner and cleaner.
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Levin: Whitmire, Madden lay out viable alternative to more prisonsJanuary 30, 2007
  The Texas Public Policy Foundation commends Senate Criminal Justice Chairman John Whitmire (D-Houston) and House Corrections Chairman Jerry Madden (R-Plano) for presenting an alternative vision for criminal justice that would not require the construction of new prisons.
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TPPF: Introduced 2008-09 state budget a good startJanuary 23, 2007
Legislators urged to hold line against additional spending
  The Texas Public Policy Foundation applauded Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, Speaker Tom Craddick, and the members of the Legislative Budget Board for introducing a 2008-09 state budget that restrains spending increases well within population growth plus inflation.
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Statement by Byron Schlomach, Ph.D., Chief Economist for the Texas Public Policy FoundationJanuary 23, 2007
On the report from the Governor’s Task Force on Appraisal Reform
  “The report provides a framework to achieve true taxpayer protection. Property taxes are too high and have gone up too fast."
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Statement by Byron Schlomach, Ph.D., Chief Economist for the Texas Public Policy FoundationJanuary 11, 2007
On the Legislative Budget Board’s adopted spending cap for 2008-09
  “Texas state government is as big as it needs to be. Our position continues to be that any growth in the state’s budget should be limited to inflation and population increases."
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Statement by Brooke Rollins, President of the Texas Public Policy FoundationJanuary 08, 2007
On Comptroller Susan Combs’ revenue estimate
  "Today's revenue estimate vindicates Texas' decision to keep taxes and government spending low."
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Guenthner Joins Foundation StaffDecember 17, 2006
Brings experience and insight to role as Director of Media and Government Relations
  The Texas Public Policy Foundation announced today the selection of David Guenthner as its new Director of Media and Government Relations.
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Sullivan Leaves TPPF to Head New OrganizationNovember 29, 2006
Foundation names three new leadership positions: Peacock, Stout, Hanrahan
  After five years serving as the chief spokesman and principle government affairs director, Michael Quinn Sullivan is ending his tenure as vice president of the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
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Statement on Passing of Economist Milton FriedmanNovember 16, 2006
Nobel Prize Winner Supported Work of TPPF
  Nobel Prize winning economist Dr. Milton Friedman passed Thursday, November 16, 2006, at the age of 94 in San Francisco.
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SBOE should strengthen high school curriculumNovember 13, 2006
Hearing will have long-term benefits for Texas school children
  A new research report issued by the Texas Public Policy Foundation recommends that the quality and significance of a high school diploma should be strengthened to improve post-secondary opportunities for all Texas students.
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Rollins Appointed to Appraisal Task ForceAugust 21, 2006
Will Explore Important Taxpayer Protection Issue
  Governor Rick Perry today announced the Texas Task Force on Appraisal Reform, which will include Texas Public Policy Foundation president Brooke Rollins.
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Congress Should Make Line-Item Veto Available to PresidentJune 21, 2006
Similarly, Texas legislators should make governor’s existing power meaningful
  The United States House of Representatives is scheduled to vote Thursday on a bill that would revive the presidential line-item veto. This is an important tool for controlling the cost of government, says the Foundation's chief economist.
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Governor, LBB Request 10% Budget CutJune 07, 2006
Good news for Texas economy, says economist
  The Office of the Governor and the Legislative Budget Board have requested state agencies to submit budget proposals that reduce spending by 10 percent. The chief economist at the Texas Public Policy Foundation says this is good news for taxpayers.
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Statement on SurplusApril 24, 2006
Foundation president urges use of current, future surpluses
  With members of the Texas House poised to begin work on the tax bills today, the president of the Texas Public Policy Foundation urged them to make use of the state’s structural surplus – current and future.
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Surplus Offers Big, Prudent Tax ReliefApril 17, 2006
New spending should not be considered as legislators meet
  The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts announced the estimated surplus for the state has grown to $8.2 billion – up from previous surplus estimates of $4.3 billion. The president of the Texas Public Policy Foundation said the funds should be used exclusively for tax relief.
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Statement on Texas Animal Health Commission decision to postpone consideration of mandatory premises registrationApril 04, 2006
  The Texas Animal Health Commission announced a decision to postpone consideration of mandatory premises registration until 2007. This was welcome news for Marc Levin of the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
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Policy Issues Focus of Podcast ProgramMarch 16, 2006
Weekly program features interviews on current issues
  The Foundation has launched a new audio service, Texas PolicyCast. This weekly interview program will focus on policy issues facing the state.
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Do ‘Progressive’ and ‘Regressive’ Matter?March 13, 2006
Tax policy must provide economic growth, opportunity
  While some would like to see the debate over whether taxes are regressive or progressive take center stage in the tax policy debate, it is arguable that there are far more important issues at stake.
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Shared Services Is Key to Public School EfficiencyMarch 03, 2006
Shared service agreements are better alternative for improving efficiency and educational outcomes
  The recently released report, "School District Consolidation and Public School Efficiency," explains how improved efficiency and educational outcomes in Texas public schools can be achieved through shared service agreements that consolidate administrative functions without merging organizations.
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Texas Is Loaded Up On Telecom TaxesFebruary 23, 2006
Recommendations Made To Save Texans $382 Million Per Year
  A recently released report, "Texas Telecommunications Taxes: An Overview," examines the high tax rates on telecommunications services and provides recommendations which would save Texas taxpayers over $382 million per year.
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Public School Accreditation Merits ExaminationFebruary 13, 2006
Strengthening Statutory Requirements for Public School Accreditation Improves Academic Quality, Public Confidence
  A recently released report, “Accreditation of Texas Public Schools: Increasing the Value,” concludes that strengthening statutory requirements for public school accreditation would improve academic quality and public confidence.
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Use Surplus for Tax ReductionFebruary 08, 2006
Comptroller’s Announcement Gives Lawmakers, Taxpayers Opportunity for Significant Property Tax Reduction
  Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn today announced $4.3 billion in estimated surplus. This money should be used to buy down the state’s property tax rate according to the Texas Public Policy Foundation president.
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Report Series Focuses On State BudgetJanuary 31, 2006
Former House Appropriations Chair Examines Spending, Accountability
  In the first of a series of reports examining the state budget, the former House Appropriations chairman says the state must develop a strong accountability system to be able to track future expenditures.
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Policy Orientation To Draw HundredsJanuary 05, 2006
Two-Day Event Includes Discussions With Lawmakers, Experts
  More than a dozen issues will be covered by leading lawmakers and recognized experts from across the political and ideological spectrum when the Fourth Annual Policy Orientation for the Texas Legislature kicks off on Monday.
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Wohlgemuth Joins Foundation StaffDecember 29, 2005
Brings Practical Legislative Expertise In Reforming Health Care
  With exploding health care costs driving growth in the state’s economy, the Texas Public Policy Foundation announced today that former state representative Arlene Wohlgemuth would assist the organization’s policy work in Medicaid reform.
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Policy Orientation Keynotes AnnouncedDecember 08, 2005
Event Features Dewhurst, Craddick, Hecht, Sharp and Gingrich
  With the Fourth Annual Policy Orientation for the Texas Legislature a month away, the Texas Public Policy Foundation announced the keynote speakers and panel topics that will be featured in the event.
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Well-Paid Teachers?December 06, 2005
New Study Examines How Texas Ranks, Could Improve
  While various methods of evaluating pay paint different pictures of teacher compensation in Texas compared to the rest of the states, a new study shows the current system fails to meet the needs of teachers, schools and students.
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S&P Evaluation Of Spending ‘Disappointing,’ Says Task Force MemberNovember 23, 2005
Report Fails To Acknowledge Body Of Research On Importance of Classroom Spending
  Standard & Poor’s, the financial data firm, has issued a report that runs counter to a large body of research on the effectiveness of standards for school spending. S&P reported that there was no relationship between allotment of dollars to the classroom, and academic achievement. That conclusion is disappointing, says the Foundation's Chris Patterson.
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Court Finds ‘Pouring More Money’ Is Not The SolutionNovember 22, 2005
  The Texas Supreme Court today issued their ruling on the state’s school finance system, calling for a complete overhaul. In their ruling, the court took to task an inefficient system rife with “constitutional challenges,” noting that simply “pouring more money into the system may forestall those challenges, but only for a time.”
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Early Registration Begins For Policy OrientationNovember 16, 2005
Two-Day Event Focuses On Issues Facing Texas
  The Fourth Annual Policy Orientation for the Texas Legislature -- January 9 & 10, 2006 -- brings together lawmakers, policy experts and interested citizens to discuss the most critical issues facing the state. Legislative offices and the general public can now register online!
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Heflin Joins Foundation StaffNovember 14, 2005
Former House Appropriations Chairman Guiding TPPF Budget Effort
  With the state budget increasing 18.7 percent over last biennium, Texas taxpayers are left wondering where the money is going. To answer that question the former chairman of the House Appropriations Committee will lead a comprehensive budget study of the state’s budget, announced Texas Public Policy Foundation president Brooke Rollins.
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Private Property Still VulnerableNovember 09, 2005
Legislature’s Summer Fix Does Not Provide Ultimate Security, Says Report
  Despite the state legislature’s attempt to shore up property rights in wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Kelo decision, Texans are still vulnerable, according to an analysis issued by the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
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Governor Orders Incentive Pay SystemNovember 02, 2005
Foundation’s Primer Last Week Explored Issue As Way To Improve Education
  Governor Rick Perry issued an executive order directing the Texas Education Agency to establish an incentive-based pay program for Texas teachers who succeed in bringing academic achievement to disadvantaged schools. This follows on the heels of a standing-room only event exploring the issue hosted by the Foundation.
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Study Recommends Expansion Of Charter SchoolsSeptember 28, 2005
Findings Counter Conventional Wisdom On Academic Impact Of Charters
Texas’ Charters Serve Students With The Greatest Needs
  Charter schools are making an important contribution to public education in Texas – improving educational outcomes of students both in charters and traditional public schools – according to a new study from the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
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Foundation Welcomes New Development AssociateSeptember 26, 2005
  The Texas Public Policy Foundation today welcomed Donna Kay Peterson of Austin as the new development associate.
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Foundation Expands Research StaffSeptember 07, 2005
Business Consultant Brings Mathematical Expertise To Education Research
  The Texas Public Policy Foundation continues to expand the depth and expertise of its staff research team. The Foundation’s president today announced the hiring of Jamie Story for the newly created position of education policy analyst.
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State Spends $2,200 Per Second With New BudgetSeptember 01, 2005
Spend-O-Meter Shows How Fast State Government Spends Money
  Just one minute into the new budget, which begins at midnight on September 1, 2005, state government will have already spent $132,003. Every 24 hours, state government will spend in excess of $190 million. Texans wanting to see how fast lawmakers are spending tax dollars need look no further than the Texas Spend-O-Meter, a new tool available September 1 on the front page of the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s website.
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Governor Signs Eminent Domain ReformAugust 31, 2005
Measure Offers Some Protection After Kelo Decision, But More Needed
  Governor Rick Perry signed into law Senate Bill 7, passed during the recent special session in response to the U.S. Supreme Court giving local governments broad powers to take land for economic development. But according to an analyst at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, more work is needed to protect property rights.
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Texans Deserve Education ReformAugust 02, 2005
Legislature Should Deliver On Reform, Not Excuses
  Texas’ children, parents and teachers deserve real reform, said the president of the Texas Public Policy Foundation at a Capitol press conference. "Texans expect policy results, not political excuses."
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Education, Tax Reform In DangerJuly 27, 2005
Lawmakers Must Work In Taxpayers' Interests
  The Texas House on Tuesday voted down important legislation to reform public schools after amendments watered down the bill. The president of the Texas Public Policy Foundation said it was important for lawmakers to keep working in the interest of children, parents and taxpayers.
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Statement On Tax BillJuly 19, 2005
Recent House Proposal Is Right Direction
  With no agreement likely to be reached before the end of the First Called Session of the Texas Legislature on a tax bill, the vice president of the Foundation urged lawmakers to keep pushing in the direction of transparency to ensure economic growth.
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HB2 Is Good For TexasJuly 19, 2005
Reforms Will Improve Public Education
  A House-Senate conference committee's work on education reform will point Texas schools in the right direction, improving efficiency and effectiveness. "Parents and taxpayers know this legislation marks a commitment to solid academic performance and demonstrable results," said Foundation president Brooke Rollins.
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On Senate’s Passage Of CSHB3July 11, 2005
Good Policy Direction Being Taken Into Conference Committee
  With the early morning passage of CSHB3 on July 11, the Texas Senate set the right direction for conference committee negotiations with the state house, according to the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s chief economist. “Taken on the whole, the Senate’s tax bill represents a good policy direction for the state. It’s not perfect, but it represents a big win for everyone who cares about economic growth, tax transparency and good government,” said Byron Schlomach, Ph.D.
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Governor Expands Call To Include Property RightsJuly 10, 2005
  Governor Rick Perry expanded the Call of the Special Session to include private property rights protection in response to the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision, Kelo v New London.
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Ogden Right To Reject LBB AnalysisJuly 10, 2005
Such Forecasts Fail To Consider Real World, Notes Schlomach
  With Texas Senate Finance Committee Chairman Steve Ogden’s refusal to use fiscal analysis from the Legislative Budget Board coming under attack, the chief economist for the Texas Public Policy Foundation said the senator is right to be suspicious.
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Statement On Senate Passage Of Education ReformJune 30, 2005
  "The senate's education reform measure brings some real strengths to the conference committee, complimenting the work the house did earlier in the week," said Chris Patterson, director of research at the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
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House Committee Adopts Tax PlanJune 29, 2005
Statement On Plan Adopted By Ways & Means Committee
  AUSTIN, Texas--The House Ways & Means Committee on Wednesday adopted a tax plan offered by State Rep. John Smithee that reduces property taxes without creating new classes of taxes.
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House Passes Historic ReformsJune 28, 2005
Education Bill Brings More Accountability
  AUSTIN, Texas--The Texas House passed House Bill 2 late Tuesday night, and was praised for its “forward-thinking approach” to improving public education by the research director of the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
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Reform Schools For All ChildrenJune 24, 2005
HB2 Brings Critical Improvements To Public Education
  At a press conference, the president of the Texas Public Policy Foundation praised the reforms found in House Bill 2 as “good for all Texans.”
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Statement On Governor's Tax PlanJune 21, 2005
  “The governor’s plan recognizes that we cannot stifle economic growth by applying burdensome new taxes, but we still need to abolish the franchise tax altogether,” said Brooke Rollins, president of the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
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Statement On Special SessionJune 18, 2005
  "It's our hope that legislators will come to Austin with the desire to enact true tax reductions and important education reform. Lawmakers have the chance to do right by taxpayers, students and the future of Texas' economy."
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Statement on Governor's Veto of HB2193June 17, 2005
  "Texans recognize that the current probation system is broken with unacceptably high rates of revocations and recidivism. While HB 2193 contained positive reforms such as progressive sanctions and the expansion of drug courts, it also had many problems."
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Bloated Budget Passes Both ChambersMay 29, 2005
Spending Growth Demonstrates Need For Taxpayer Protection
  The Texas House on Sunday followed the Senate’s lead in passing a $139.4 billion budget, which the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s vice president, Michael Quinn Sullivan, today described as “too big, even for Texas.”
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‘Zero Tolerance’ ReformMay 26, 2005
Restores Common Sense To Punishment Of Students
  Marc Levin, director of the Center for Effective Justice at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, applauds the Legislature for making much needed reforms to Texas' zero tolerance law.
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Spending Too MuchMay 20, 2005
Legislature Must Live Within Taxpayers’ Means
  As budget negotiators for the House and Senate continue work on the spending and tax plans, the vice president of the Texas Public Policy Foundation urged them to exercise the same fiscal restraint found during the last legislative session.
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School Choice Passes House CommitteeMay 19, 2005
Measure Opens Door To More Opportunities
  Hundreds of thousands of students would be given the opportunity for a better education and a brighter future under a school choice plan voted out of the House Public Education Committee as part of the Texas Education Agency reauthorization bill.
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Conferees Urged To Stay Firm On Key ReformsMay 17, 2005
  The Foundation's director of research urges the conference committee to "offer all children the opportunity to secure the education they need to be successful."
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Senate Shines Light On Local TaxesMay 12, 2005
Passage Of SB18 Ensures Taxpayers Are Informed
  With passage of Senate Bill 18, the Texas Senate has ensured local taxpayers will have more information about property tax rates. “This important legislation brings more sunshine to the property tax process by requiring greater disclosure for the taxpayer,” said Michael Quinn Sullivan, the Foundation's vice president.
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Senate’s Tax Bill: Not There Yet