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October 7, 2024

Title: Common Sense Zero-Based Budgeting
Topic: Wasteful Government Spending

Discussed by James Quintero
with Texas Public Policy Foundation (www.TexasPolicy.com)

Many Texans believe that government – at all levels – spends too much money and much of it wastefully. But where is a good starting point to reign in the excessive spending?

Today, James Quintero discusses one option: zero-based budgeting. James is the Policy Director for the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Government for the People Campaign.

Click here for the latest from James Quintero.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

What is zero-based budgeting? Could this change the normal budgeting process? Has it ever been tried before? James discusses former Governor Rick Perry’s successful process in 2003.

Should Texans demand that our state government begin utilizing common sense, zero-based budgeting?

Click here to help support the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

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August 26, 2024

Title: Texans Say Housing Costs are Out of Control
Topic: Texas Politics

Discussed by James Quintero
with Texas Public Policy Foundation (www.TexasPolicy.com)

It’s past time that elected officials in Texas tackle the ever-increasing cost of rent and home ownership. In fact, Texans are demanding action!

Today, James Quintero discusses a new poll released by the University of Houston regarding housing trends in Texas. James is the Policy Director for the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Government for the People Campaign.

Click here to read James’ op-ed on this topic.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Texans agree that housing affordability is a problem. Do Texans also state that the cost of housing represents a source of financial strain? James reminds us that inflation is not something that Texas elected officials have control over, but they can help in other ways.

Housing costs are not just the cost of a mortgage or rent payment. What other expenses are incurred? James discusses utility bills, homeowner/renter’s insurance, home maintenance, property taxes, local taxes, and HOA dues – all of which have increased steadily over the past few years.

What can be done about the ever-increasing property tax rate in Texas? Click here  for information about the website the Texas Legislature recently launched to help Texas citizens navigate and better understand property taxes.

Texans are cutting back on certain expenses to save money. Should we demand that our Legislature do the same? James mentions some information from the National Association of Home Builders.

What does the future look like for the housing market in Texas? James offers a warning to the younger generation.

Click here to help support the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

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June 18, 2024

Title: Squatting Crisis in Texas
Topic: Squatter’s Rights

Discussed by James Quintero
with Texas Public Policy Foundation (www.TexasPolicy.com)

Recently, James Quintero testified before the State Committee on Local Government on the issue of “squatter’s rights”. James Quintero is the Policy Director for the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Government for the People Campaign.

Click here for more details about the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Who are “squatters”?

Is squatting a growing threat to property owners nationwide? James Quintero reveals that there are actually people who are giving tips and advice on how to be a squatter! NOTE: He will discuss this in more detail later in the interview.

In Texas, is squatting a criminal or civil issue?

When and how do squatters “obtain” a property? James Quintero explains that rental properties are the most suspectable and Dallas and Atlanta rank highest in the nation for squatters.

What is a Venezuelan TikToker teaching those who wish to come to the US?

Is the process to remove a squatter lengthy? James Quintero shares a few stories that will absolutely shock you!

Do voters want stricter laws regarding squatters?

Click here to help support the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

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May 6, 2024

Title: Triggered by the Grocery Store
Topic: Inflation

Discussed by James Quintero
with Texas Public Policy Foundation (www.TexasPolicy.com)

Has Bidenomics been bad for just about everyone, except those who profit from Big Government?

Today, James Quintero discusses the concerns most Americans have about the soaring price of food. James is the Policy Director for the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Government for the People Campaign. 

Click here  to read James Quintero’s op-ed on this issue.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Have the policies of the Biden Administration and WDC spearheads utterly failed the majority of Americans?

Do the majority of Americans say they are “triggered” by trips to the grocery store?

Do most Americans believe food prices will continue to soar?

Are many Americans living beyond their means?

What’s the solution? James Quintero reveals some startling information about the current governments’ budget problems and the current inflation index.

Click here to help support the Texas Public Policy Foundation, the parent organization for The Canon.

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April 18, 2024

Title: Triggered by the Grocery Store
Topic: Inflation

Discussed by James Quintero
with Texas Public Policy Foundation (www.TexasPolicy.com)

Has Bidenomics been bad for just about everyone, except those who profit from Big Government?

Today, James Quintero discusses the concerns most Americans have about the soaring price of food. James is the Policy Director for the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Government for the People Campaign. 

Click here  to read James Quintero’s op-ed on this issue.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Have the policies of the Biden Administration and WDC spearheads utterly failed the majority of Americans?

Do the majority of Americans say they are “triggered” by trips to the grocery store?

Do most Americans believe food prices will continue to soar?

Are many Americans living beyond their means?

What’s the solution? James Quintero reveals some startling information about the current governments’ budget problems and the current inflation index.

Click here to help support the Texas Public Policy Foundation, the parent organization for The Canon.

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March 14, 2024

Title: Triggered by the Grocery Store
Topic: Inflation

Discussed by James Quintero
with Texas Public Policy Foundation (www.TexasPolicy.com)

Has Bidenomics been bad for just about everyone, except those who profit from Big Government?

Today, James Quintero discusses the concerns most Americans have about the soaring price of food. James is the Policy Director for the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Government for the People Campaign. 

Click here  to read James Quintero’s op-ed on this issue.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Have the policies of the Biden Administration and WDC spearheads utterly failed the majority of Americans?

Do the majority of Americans say they are “triggered” by trips to the grocery store?

Do most Americans believe food prices will continue to soar?

Are many Americans living beyond their means?

What’s the solution? James Quintero reveals some startling information about the current governments’ budget problems and the current inflation index.

Click here to help support the Texas Public Policy Foundation, the parent organization for The Canon.

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March 5, 2024

Title: Universal Basic Income: Good or Bad for Texans?
Topic: Government Spending

Discussed by James Quintero
with Texas Public Policy Foundation (www.TexasPolicy.com)

Alexander Fraser Tytler: “A democracy … can only exist until the majority discovers it can vote itself money out of the public treasury. After that, the majority always votes for the candidate promising the most benefits.” (Click here for the full quote.)

Today, James Quintero explains what happens when a Democracy falls into this trap, specifically by the implementation of Universal Basic Income. James is the Policy Director for the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Government for the People Campaign.

Click here to read James Quintero’s op-ed on this important topic.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

How do we compete against Santa Clause?

What is meant by “Universal Basic Income” (UBI)? James Quintero explains the danger of UBI’s and why there should be serious consequences if local officials ignore/break Texas law. His suggestion: “Hit the bad actors in the pocketbook.”

Can America survive with our current (and ever increasing) out-of-control debt?

Click here to help support the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

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February 21, 2024

Title: Gone to Texas
Topic: Texas Politics

Discussed by James Quintero
with Texas Public Policy Foundation (www.TexasPolicy.com)

Texas has once again been named the most popular state for migration from other states.

James Quintero is the Policy Director at Government for the People, an initiative of the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Today, James discusses why Texas is so popular and how we can keep it that way.

Click here for more on this interview from the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Why has Texas been named the most popular state for migration from other US states? Who made this claim? How often has this happened? What state is the “loser”?

Why are people moving to Texas in record numbers? Does Texas place a premium on life, liberty, and property rights?

San Francisco now resemble cities in third-world countries. Is this the direct result of big government and bad policy?

How can we avoid turning Texas blue? James has a warning for all Texans: “We are in danger of becoming a victim of our own success.”

Click here to help support the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

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January 15, 2024

Title: Gone to Texas
Topic: Texas Politics

Discussed by James Quintero
with Texas Public Policy Foundation (www.TexasPolicy.com)

Texas has once again been named the most popular state for migration from other states.

James Quintero is the Policy Director at Government for the People, an initiative of the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Today, James discusses why Texas is so popular and how we can keep it that way.

Click here for more on this interview from the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Why has Texas been named the most popular state for migration from other US states? Who made this claim? How often has this happened? What state is the “loser”?

Why are people moving to Texas in record numbers? Does Texas place a premium on life, liberty, and property rights?

San Francisco now resemble cities in third-world countries. Is this the direct result of big government and bad policy?

How can we avoid turning Texas blue? James has a warning for all Texans: “We are in danger of becoming a victim of our own success.”

Click here to help support the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

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February 18, 2022

Title: Harris County Commissioner Court Under Fire
Topic: Pay-to-Play Politics

Discussed by James Quintero
with Texas Public Policy Foundation (www.TexasPolicy.com)

Is a pay-to-play scheme underway in Harris County?

James Quintero is the Policy Director at Government for the People, an initiative of the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Today he discusses recent Houston Chronicle article entitled: “Pay-to-Play in Harris County”. According to the paper’s latest exposé, Harris County Commissioners are raking in campaign cash from “executives at companies awarded no-bid contracts by those commissioners.” The article even puts forward some eye-opening data to support its proposition.

Click here to read on this issue from James Quintero and the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

Click here to read the article from the Houston Chronicle.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

The by-line of the Houston Chronicle reads: “Harris County commissioners hide where most of their campaign cash comes from.” Is this misleading? Should the by-line read “contributions” instead of “cash”?

Political Action Committees (PACs) often contribute to candidates and/or elected officials. Non-profits, through their PAC’s, make political contributions as well. Is this ethical? James says: “We do not have a system of maximum transparency and it probably leads to a lot of unintended consequences or perhaps some of those consequences are intended.”

Are there any restrictions on contractors contributing to a County Commissioner who may or may not vote on contracts or give them a contract? James explains that it varies from county to county, using Harris County and Dallas County as examples.

Has the Texas Legislature attempted to change/discontinue “no-bid-contracts”? Terry and James will continue with this thought in the next segment.

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Title: Part 2 of 2 - Harris County Commissioner Court Under Fire
Topic: Pay-to-Play Politics

Discussed by James Quintero
with Texas Public Policy Foundation (www.TexasPolicy.com)

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Did Abbott give out millions of no-bid contracts during the COVID pandemic?

Did the Houston Chronicle article pin-point actual criminal activity by Harris County Commissioners? James reads a quote from the article: “Experts said the timing of some donations and no-bid contract awards suggest political contributions influence the decisions of commissioners.”

What does Texas law state concerning when political contributions can be made and accepted?

What is the solution to this ever-growing problem? James offers some solutions, saying: “This is a county-wide issue that deserves maximum transparency... Let’s find a way to do better.”

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November 3, 2021

Title: Solve Systemic Racism with School Choice
Topic: Public Education

Discussed by James Quintero
with Texas Public Policy Foundation (www.TexasPolicy.com)

Part 1 of 2

The Texas Association of School Boards recently added a ninth Statement of Belief:

“We believe in and are committed to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion; promoting dignity and mutual respect; striving to eradicate systemic racism; and providing opportunity for all.” [emphasis added]

READ. THAT. AGAIN.

James Quintero is the Policy Director for the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Government for the People Campaign. Today, he discusses this Systemic Racism and other issues facing public schools in Texas.

Click here to read more on this issue from James Quintero.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

What is Systemic Racism? Why is the Left so focused on Systemic Racism in public schools across the nation, even here in Texas? James discusses the TASB’s original purpose and goal and how they have strayed since the 1940’s.

Is the TASB tax-payer funded?

Is Systemic Racism rampant in public schools across Texas?

Is the TASB part of the problem?

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Title: Part 2 of 2 - Solve Systemic Racism with School Choice
Topic: Public Education

Discussed by James Quintero
with Texas Public Policy Foundation (www.TexasPolicy.com)

Questions/Issues Discussed:

The Houston Chronicle recently reported that 48 of the 276 Houston ISD schools were graded a D or F! Why isn’t the TASB focused on these failing schools and the students that are forced to attend them? James explains that within those 48 schools, 95% of the students are economically disadvantaged and 96% are students of color. Is this a clear example of Systemic Racism?

The TASB’s FOURTH Statement of Beliefs reads: “We believe increased student academic achievement must be a top priority in Texas.” Do they really believe this? Or are they simply trying to push their own twisted agenda? Why are they not helping these failing schools?

Is the TASB part of the problem?

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October 4, 2021

Title: Solve Systemic Racism with School Choice
Topic: Public Education

Discussed by James Quintero
with Texas Public Policy Foundation (www.TexasPolicy.com)

Part 1 of 2

The Texas Association of School Boards recently added a ninth Statement of Belief:

“We believe in and are committed to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion; promoting dignity and mutual respect; striving to eradicate systemic racism; and providing opportunity for all.” [emphasis added]

READ. THAT. AGAIN.

James Quintero is the Policy Director for the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Government for the People Campaign. Today, he discusses this Systemic Racism and other issues facing public schools in Texas.

Click here to read more on this issue from James Quintero.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

What is Systemic Racism? Why is the Left so focused on Systemic Racism in public schools across the nation, even here in Texas? James discusses the TASB’s original purpose and goal and how they have strayed since the 1940’s.

Is the TASB tax-payer funded?

Is Systemic Racism rampant in public schools across Texas?

Is the TASB part of the problem?

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Title: Part 2 of 2 - Solve Systemic Racism with School Choice
Topic: Public Education

Discussed by James Quintero
with Texas Public Policy Foundation (www.TexasPolicy.com)

Questions/Issues Discussed:

The Houston Chronicle recently reported that 48 of the 276 Houston ISD schools were graded a D or F! Why isn’t the TASB focused on these failing schools and the students that are forced to attend them? James explains that within those 48 schools, 95% of the students are economically disadvantaged and 96% are students of color. Is this a clear example of Systemic Racism?

The TASB’s FOURTH Statement of Beliefs reads: “We believe increased student academic achievement must be a top priority in Texas.” Do they really believe this? Or are they simply trying to push their own twisted agenda? Why are they not helping these failing schools?

Is the TASB part of the problem?

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July 24, 2019

Title: The Feds Want to Fix the Housing Crisis
Topic: Affordable Housing

Discussed by James Quintero
with Texas Public Policy Foundation (www.TexasPolicy.com)

“Hi. I’m from the government and I’m here to help.” This is NEVER a good thing, especially when it comes to our freedom – and our money.

FACT: 25% of a home value is attributable to government regulations. This is crazy!

James Quintero, leader of TPPF’s Think Local Liberty Project, says: “This is a government induced crisis.” Today, he explains why he feels this way and what YOU can do to help.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Why is James Quintero so passionate about making home prices more affordable for the average family in America, specifically Texas?

On average, how much money are Texans paying in property taxes? Do larger families pay more?

What are “pass-through property taxes”? How does this affect renters, as well as home owners? How does this affect employees of small and big businesses alike?

What did a New York Times columnist recently say about the housing crisis? Why does James believe she is wrong?

Bottom Line: Do too many Americans rely on the government for too many things?

What is the solution? James says to “get government out of the way!”

Click here for more information on the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

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March 28, 2018

Title: Amazon’s Second Headquarters Up for Grabs
Topic: Government Spending

Discussed by James Quintero
with Texas Public Policy Foundation (www.TexasPolicy.com)

Part 1 of 2

James Quintero is back with an update on the new Amazon headquarters. The last two Texas cities in the running are taking very different approaches in trying to lure the facility, with its estimated 50,000 jobs.

To listen to James’ previous interview concerning this issue, use our Archives.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Background on government incentives for corporations: What are corporate inducements for moving/relocating/expanding corporations? Are corporate giveaways common across the nation and in Texas?

What’s UP with Amazon’s second headquarters? Listen as James Quintero offers more details about the cost of the new building and new jobs that will be created. Be sure to tune in to the next segment for even more information.

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Title: Part 2 of 2 - Amazon’s Second Headquarters Up for Grabs
Topic: Government Spending

Discussed by James Quintero
with Texas Public Policy Foundation (www.TexasPolicy.com)

Questions/Issues Discussed:

What is Amazon’s “wish list” in the city it chooses to host their second headquarters? Note: “Wish list”… see what we did there? Moving on…

Which two metro areas in Texas are still on the short list?

Why are the proposals/bids from the cities kept under lock and key?

What taxes will be affected?

Who is the middle-man in connection to the Austin proposal/bid?

Why is Houston not on the list?

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January 12, 2018

Title: Tax Incentives for Rich Companies
Topic: Government Spending

Discussed by James Quintero
with Texas Public Policy Foundation (www.TexasPolicy.com)

Part 1 of 2

James Quintero is with the Texas Public Policy Foundation, where he leads the Think Local Liberty Project. James focuses on state and local government spending, taxes, public pension reform, annexation, and local regulations.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Should local and state governments give tax incentives to corporations worth billions?

Is Apple on track to becoming the world’s first company to be valued at 1 trillion?

Why does Amazon want to build a second headquarters in Austin, TX? Is this a good idea? Listen as James reveals SHOCKING details about the inner-workings of the proposals for this…

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Title: Part 2 of 2 - Tax Incentives for Rich Companies
Topic: Government Spending

Discussed by James Quintero
with Texas Public Policy Foundation (www.TexasPolicy.com)

Questions/Issues Discussed:

How many jobs are expected if Amazon is granted permission to build HQ2 in Austin?

Should local officials be permitted to offer tax abatements, grants, and other government goodies to companies? Or should state officials vote on the matter? James doesn’t think either is a good idea! Listen in as he explains why…

Will tax payers, including other businesses, be forced to pick up the bill for these incentives?

Click here for more on this and other issues.

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January 9, 2018

Title: Tax Incentives for Rich Companies
Topic: Government Spending

Discussed by James Quintero
with Texas Public Policy Foundation (www.TexasPolicy.com)

Part 1 of 2

James Quintero is with the Texas Public Policy Foundation, where he leads the Think Local Liberty Project. James focuses on state and local government spending, taxes, public pension reform, annexation, and local regulations.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Should local and state governments give tax incentives to corporations worth billions?

Is Apple on track to becoming the world’s first company to be valued at 1 trillion?

Why does Amazon want to build a second headquarters in Austin, TX? Is this a good idea? Listen as James reveals SHOCKING details about the inner-workings of the proposals for this…

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Title: Part 2 of 2 - Tax Incentives for Rich Companies
Topic: Government Spending

Discussed by James Quintero
with Texas Public Policy Foundation (www.TexasPolicy.com)

Questions/Issues Discussed:

How many jobs are expected if Amazon is granted permission to build HQ2 in Austin?

Should local officials be permitted to offer tax abatements, grants, and other government goodies to companies? Or should state officials vote on the matter? James doesn’t think either is a good idea! Listen in as he explains why…

Will tax payers, including other businesses, be forced to pick up the bill for these incentives?

Click here for more on this and other issues.

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August 24, 2017

Title: New Laws for Annexed Cities in Texas
Topic: Annexation Walls

Discussed by James Quintero
with Texas Public Policy Foundation (www.TexasPolicy.com)

Millions of Texans choose to live outside the city limits. It is estimated that by 2018, just one year away, the population outside the Houston City Limits will exceed the population within. GOOD NEWS: We now have more rights to protect our decision to live outside the city walls!

James Quintero is the Director of the Center for Local Governance at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Today, he will be discussing SB6, the Texas Annexation Right to Vote Act, signed by Governor Abbott. The new law requires large cities to obtain consent from those being annexed before taking action.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

What are some of the growth rates in large cities around the country compared to Harris County?

How many Texans reside in unincorporated areas across Texas?

Were some smaller cities in Texas being annexed by larger cities without a vote?

Does the new law apply to all counties, or just the larger ones?

Are Legislators from smaller counties being bullied by Legislators from larger counties? How bad was it during the Special Session?

Side Note: Do Legislators from smaller counties oppose school choice? If so, why?

Does SB6 give Texans more rights? James Quintero calls it a “monumental win”…

Will SB6 affect shady forced annexation districts like MUD Districts?

Did the Kingwood Tea Party play a key role in getting SB6 passed?

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June 22, 2017

Title: Don’t Touch Your Trees
Topic: Tree Control Now By Government

Discussed by James Quintero
with Texas Public Policy Foundation (www.TexasPolicy.com)

Part 1 of 2

Senator Donna Campbell, Chair of the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs and Border Security, recently petitioned the Texas Attorney General for an advisory opinion on the legality of “municipal tree ordinances”. Yes, this is real. We are not joking.

Listen in as James Quintero reveals more details concerning this outrageous ordinance and what is being done to stop it.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Who made the local City Council “god” concerning who can and cannot have trees in their yard?

Why are they even doing this? Does it really matter?

Shouldn’t home and business owners have their right over their own trees?

Are leaders in some cities forcing home and business owners to pay outrageous fees to remove/cut down their own trees?

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Title: Part 2 of 2 -Don’t Touch Your Trees
Topic: Tree Control Now By Government

Discussed by James Quintero
with Texas Public Policy Foundation (www.TexasPolicy.com)

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Should home or business owners with property rights have the Constitutional privilege to do whatever they want to the trees on their lot?

Are there some who want to do whatever they want with their own land, but don’t want others to do the same? Listen as Terry shares two personal stories that touched people he knew concerning this issue…

What is a N.I.M.B.Y.?

Who ultimately pays the higher costs?

What is Senator Donna Campbell requesting concerning this issue?

Is this issue on the 2017 Special Session agenda?

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May 25, 2017

Title: Forced Annexation: An Extreme Abuse of Power
Topic: Forced Annexation

Discussed by James Quintero
with Texas Public Policy Foundation (www.TexasPolicy.com)

The leadership, rank, and file of those elected on the Left is against the average Texan once more by trying to force unincorporated areas into forced annexation with bigger cities.

James Quintero is the Director of the Center for Local Governance at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, one of America’s premier Conservative think tanks. James has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, The Huffington Post, Fox News and Breitbart.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Do Texans living in unincorporated areas want to be annexed?

Why does the Left continually vote against allowing voters to decide if they want to be annexed to a larger city?

What is the purpose of SB715?

If the voters say NO to the annexation, does the city have other options?

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May 1, 2017

Title: Forced Annexation: An Extreme Abuse of Power
Topic: Forced Annexation

Discussed by James Quintero
with Texas Public Policy Foundation (www.TexasPolicy.com)

The Texas Senate recently approved the passage of SB715, the Texas Annexation Reform Act, which would reform municipal annexation practices. This legislation, authored by Sen. Donna Campbell (R-District 25), requires consent from a majority of those being annexed, streamlines voluntary annexations, and generally prohibits limited purpose annexation.

James Quintero is with the Texas Public Policy Foundation. The TPPF believes in liberty, personal responsibility, and free enterprise, which is why James cares so passionately about this issue.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Is SB715 good or bad?

Why wasn’t this bill supported more by more Democrats?

Listen as James Quintero and Terry Lowry discuss a specific clause regarding “limited purpose annexations”. NOTE: This is VERY important! Pay close attention.

Should the purpose of annexation be to provide more emergency services and improve the quality of life for the residents? Is this happening?

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March 1, 2017

Title: Out of Control Property Taxes
Topic: Property Tax Relief

Discussed by James Quintero
with Texas Public Policy Foundation (www.TexasPolicy.com)

Part 1 of 2

If you own a home in Texas, you are well aware of the outrageous property taxes leveled upon you each year.  James Quintero offers some insight about what the Texas Public Policy Foundation is planning for this Legislative Session.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Are property taxes literally forcing Texans from their homes?

How much have property taxes increased every year since 1996?

Even if you do not home a home, property taxes affect you. Listen as James Quintero discusses three reforms that could help every person in Texas in regards to their home. He will continue on this topic in the next segment…

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Title: Part 2 of 2 - Out of Control Property Taxes
Topic: Property Tax Relief

Discussed by James Quintero
with Texas Public Policy Foundation (www.TexasPolicy.com)

Questions/Issues Discussed:

What is the only county in Texas that unanimously supports SB2, which would offer property tax relief to all Texans? NOTE: There has been several bills introduced in the House, as well, which address property tax relief, which is wonderful news!

What are the three areas of reform which James and others are working on concerning real property tax relief?

Is there a portion of HB2 that states county officials cannot go above a certain cap and if they do, the citizens automatically get a vote?

Who in Austin is willing to fight for the needed restructuring?

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December 5, 2016

Title: Is a Property Tax Overhaul in the Future?
Topic: Property Taxes

Discussed by James Quintero
with Texas Public Policy Foundation (www.TexasPolicy.com)

Follow-up to State Senator Paul Bettencourt’s interview…. It is so important that the men and women we elected to represent us know how we really feel about this issue. But, how can average citizens make a difference?

James Quintero is the Director at the Center for Local Governance at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Listen in as he gives more details everyone should be aware of.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

How cognizant of their property taxes are homeowners? Are some just completely clueless?

What is already being done to overhaul the current property tax system?

The Texas Senate is predicted to pass a great property tax relief bill this next Session. However, the House is a different story. Listen in as James Quintero offers his opinion.

How can the average citizen convince their Elected Officials to pass tax relief?

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July 14, 2015

Title: The Economic Decline of Houston
Topic: Government Spending

Discussed by James Quintero
with Texas Public Policy Foundation (www.TexasPolicy.com)

Part 1 of 2

Moody’s Investor Services, one of the nation’s top three credit rating agencies, recently awarded Houston a negative rating due to increased government spending, rising debt payments, and mounting pension costs. James Quintero  is the director of the Center for Local Governance at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. James says, “Moody’s report is a clear indication that the City of Houston needs long-term structural spending and debt reforms so as not to become the Detroit-of-the-South.”

James also explains what went wrong in Detroit, specifically with pension plans. Houston is not as bad as Detroit – yet – but it could happen far sooner than many believe if policies don’t change. If the private sector operated its pension plan like the government does, someone would go to jail. Period. What they are doing is illegal and they should be held liable for their illegal activities.

FACT: The difference between the three unfunded liability pension plans and the money that is actually on hand has grown to $3.2 Billion in Houston. James gives more details about each separate entity within those three plans.

This problem isn’t central to only Houston, either; this is a statewide issue. Listen in as James Quintero gives some suggestions about how to get a handle on the situation, starting with the State Legislature.

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Title: Part 2 of 2 - The Economic Decline of Houston
Topic: Government Spending

Discussed by James Quintero
with Texas Public Policy Foundation (www.TexasPolicy.com)

FACT: Think the amount of debt for Houston is bad? The entire state of Texas has a pension deficit debt of $57.5 Billion. That is just unacceptable.

Where do we go from here? We must take control of the situation before it gets worse or one day we will wake up with a Detroit-style problem on our hands. Houston is one of the greatest cities in the world. Will it remain that way?

You can learn more on this and other issues facing our great state here.

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May 22, 2014

Title: Competing Against the Big Boys, the Good Guys Most Often Lose
Topic: Political Powerhouse

Discussed by James Quintero
with Texas Public Policy Foundation (www.TexasPolicy.com)

Local school board elections are often held on off days with odd voting times, giving voters little warning or time to research and prepare. The polling locations are often located at an advantage for school employees, though, making it easier for liberal teachers to vote in masses.

Guest James Quintero, with the Texas Public Policy Foundation, also discusses the various government entities in Texas which place heavy debts on the next generation, the kids they are trying to educate.

What will it take for small, conservative groups to be able to compete against the well-funded government entities that are focused on spending more money? Listen in as James explains.

Log on to www.TexasPolicy.com  for more on this and other issues.

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