State

A Bear Market for Casino Daydreams?
After a legislative blitz in 2023, Las Vegas signals a bearish outlook headed into 2025.

Two Years After Roe: Texas Celebrates Sanctity of Life Day
On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization that there is no constitutional right to an abortion.

Policy Event Highlights Shortcomings in Texas’ Current Border Security Efforts
The Texas Public Policy Foundation event evaluated some of the shortcomings of Operation Lone Star—Texas’ border security effort—that need legislative solutions.

Patrick’s Sunset Commission Appointments Set to Scrutinize State Agencies
The Sunset Advisory Commission evaluates state agencies’ purpose and performance.
State Archive
Investment or Bloat?
State agencies have spent months cutting their spending to help preserve Texas’ fiscal integrity. The Texas House is increasing the number of its committees. Is this budget bloat or a wise legislative investment? One new committee is focused on government reform, the...
Hiding Behind Kids & Teachers
As lawmakers unveiled the first draft of the 2012-2013 state budget, liberal advocacy groups wasted no time threatening teachers with the axe. Is slashing classroom spending really where to start in budget savings? Perhaps, if your primary goal is to defend government...
Protecting Taxpayers
State Representative Tim Kleinschmidt has joined the ranks of other state officials pledging to oppose tax increases. This especially important as lawmakers start to work on a tight budget amid calls for new revenues. Empower Texans / Texans for Fiscal Responsibility...
LBB’s Good, Bad & Laughable
The Legislative Budget Board recently published their recommendations to close the budget shortfall. While some suggestions will please conservatives, many others will leave them shaking their heads. For those unfamiliar, the LBB is a permanent joint committee of the...
Budget Shortfall Blown Out of Proportions!
I’m sure that you’ve all heard of the “Blame America First” crowd, but have you heard of the “Tear Texas Down” crowd? These people have emerged as a result of the recession and rather than acknowledge that a 9.4 percent unemployment is more attributable to four years...
Prudent Spending Will Keep Texas Healthy
Tax-and-spend liberals would have us believe that all music, joy and laughter will fade away unless legislators hike spending and raise taxes. As we wait for the introduction of the 2012-2013 budget this evening, we can expect liberals will flow forth with tales of...
Balanced Budget Without New Taxes
Today the Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute proposed their roadmap for how lawmakers might go about balancing the state budget without raising taxes, keeping us competitive and helping ensure economic growth in the future. It's no secret that due to...
Campaign Promises Matter
There's a saying, "to make policy, you have to win politically" - and that is what conservatives did with distinction on November 2nd of last year. What's yet to be seen is if the platform of limited government, less spending, and no new taxes championed by so many of...
Majority Decision
Political contests shouldn't be about personalities, but rather focused on policy outcomes; we are talking about the business and future of Texas, after all. Ironically, the first business of the House of this 82nd Legislature might be more about the people than the...