The Foundation Podcast

The Foundation Podcast

The Foundation podcast from the Texas Public Policy Foundation gives you insight into the most significant conservative ideas. From policymakers to grassroots activists, from thought leaders to elected leaders, we'll bring you the ideas shaping the American public.

Episodes

May 18, 2021 20 mins
Deadlines are coming in hot. What TPPF is keeping an eye on as the end of session approaches, plus what a new loophole protecting lawyers in SB 10 means for taxpayers.
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As a surprise to the Austin City Council, voters overwhelmingly passed a proposition eliminating public camping.

The bipartisan support for the camping ban has put wind in the sails of legislation modeled after Austin's Prop B that would ban public camping in cities throughout the state. Save Austin Now co-founder Matt Mackowiak joins the discussion on the PAC's role in this effort as well as what the next steps might be f...

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April 29, 2021 19 mins
A major legislative priority of the Texas Public Policy Foundation has officially passed both the House and Senate and is awaiting Governor Abbott’s signature.   With major legislative deadlines approaching, Andrew and James discuss the ever-changing environment at the capitol and what TPPF is keeping an eye on as sine die approaches.
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April 23, 2021 37 mins

Sine Die is just around the corner – what does that mean for the Governor’s, Speaker's, and TPPF’s legislative priorities?

This week, the tables are turned as TPPF’s Digital Communications Director, Crystal Bonham, poses questions to Derek Cohen, David Balat, and Rod Bordelon. From the budget and bipartisan health care reforms to Speaker Phelan’s new criminal justice reform package, today’s panel of experts gives you the l...

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Today, better than four out of five Texans (82%) agree there is an immigration crisis. Fully 25% of Texans say it is the most important issue, up from 5% just seven months ago.   TPPF's Chief Communications Officer Brian Phillips joins The Foundation to discuss the latest polling results and trends including the border crisis, COVID/vaccines, and the economy.   For more on the polling results, click here.
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If history doesn't repeat itself, then it at least rhymes. TPPF's CEO Kevin Roberts joins the podcast to give his perspective on the current state and future of the conservative movement.   Where are conservatives dropping the ball? Spoiler alert: Voter ID.
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The Foundation welcomes back Andrew Brown and James Quintero to discuss the latest legislation on child welfare and foster care, as well as the effort to ban tax dollars from funding lobbyists.   Other pressing policy concerns such as homeless camping bans and emergency powers are covered.   Visit keeptexastexan.org to find your legislator.
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March 22, 2021 13 mins
Texans deserve a health care system that is focused on quality of care, encourages healthier outcomes, and ensures individuals and families have the options that work for them.   Right on Healthcare Director David Balat joins Derek Cohen on The Foundation podcast to discuss legislative reforms that offer more transparency, choice, and affordability.   View Right on Healthcare's new animated video "Patients First: The Cost ...
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Vance Ginn and Derek Cohen discuss the bill filing deadline, government electricity repricing, and federal funds conundrum.
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Sunshine is the best disinfectant. Andrew and James discuss the importance of open government, some of the worst offenders when it comes to accessibility, and the prospect of reform this legislative session.

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Andrew and James talk efficiency audits, what they’re testifying on this week, and what to keep an eye out for as the filing deadline approaches. TPPF’s Michele Steeb joins the podcast for a discussion on HB1925 and SB987 – a direct response to the homelessness epidemic in Austin and across the state of Texas.

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Child welfare in Texas has been a lasting issue that the state of Texas has had to wrestle with. Removing a child from their family is one of the most devastating actions the state can take against its citizens, and the power to permanently sever the relationship between a parent and child should only be exercised when the state has the most solid and substantial justification.   Hear a brief history of CPS in Texas from T...
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March 3, 2021 20 mins
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February 26, 2021 14 mins
What's happening in the #TXLege, the TPPF take on the Lieutenant Governor's policy priorities, and how Career and Technical Education (CTE) is filling the trades gap while empowering young Texans to forge their own path.   On this episode of The Foundation Podcast, Derek Cohen is joined by TPPF's Erin Valdez who's research covers career and technical education at the secondary and post-secondary levels, civics education, a...
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February 26, 2021 18 mins
Texans helping their freezing communities every which way, fighting taxpayer-funded lobbying, and more on this week's episode of The Chase. The Chase | TPPF’s Andrew Brown and James Quintero, bring you everything you need to know about policies affecting you, your family, and your community.
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February 17, 2021 15 mins
What Happened? Former TX Rep. Jason Isaac, now Director of Life:Powered at TPPF, discusses putting the "Reliable" back in ERCOT and the root cause of the tragic blackouts this week and sources of mismanagement: poor public policies.   For more on the evolving situation visit www.thecannononline.com
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February 12, 2021 19 mins
Did you know that every 10 years, each state agency must go before the legislature and justify their existence?   Hear from TPPF's Derek Cohen, Ph.D. and today's guest, Vance Ginn, Ph.D., on which agencies are due for sun-shining, what the biannual revenue estimate is, and the path to a Conservative Texas Budget in the 87th legislative session.   For more on TPPF's Liberty Action Agenda, click here.
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February 10, 2021 20 mins
A look at the Governor's proposed budget, Richardson ISD's $750 million bond proposition, and what Texans have to say in TPPF's latest polling.
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February 7, 2021 17 mins

During the State of the State, Governor Greg Abbott laid out his priorities for the 87th legislative session. Derek Cohen, Ph.D. breaks down the 5 emergency orders put forth by the Governor including a closer look at election integrity with TPPF's Chuck DeVore.

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February 6, 2021 14 mins
Our comeback is happening. Texans are returning to work, students are returning to schools, families are reestablishing routines. Join Andrew and James as they dive into the intersection of Governor Abbott's State of the Sate and TPPF's Legislative Action Agenda. Spoiler alert: there's a light at the end of the tunnel.   The Chase, hosted by TPPF's Andrew Brown and James Quintero, bringing you everything you need to know a...
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