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Connecting today’s news with the research & opinion you need.

Coverage Isn’t Care

What to Know: Letting no crisis go to waste, advocates of expanding Medicaid say the coronavirus outbreak is a clear reason to do so.

The TPPF Take: Medicaid expansion is no panacea.

“Every health care system involves limited resources and — potentially — unlimited demand. That’s even more true in pandemic conditions,” says TPPF’s David Balat. “As the government-sponsored insurance coverage has proved, coverage does not equal care. Our real challenge is delivering care to vulnerable Texans—many of whom are elderly—and expanding Medicaid to more able-bodied people will crowd many of them out.”

Robust Job Market Health

What to Know: Not all the news is bad; before the COVID-19 outbreak, job growth continued to be robust and healthy, especially in Texas.

The TPPF Take: The Texas Comptroller has recently indicated we can expect to see a slowing of economic activity, at least in the short run.

“As we continue to prepare and protect ourselves and our loved ones from the effects of the coronavirus, it is important to remember that we in Texas are in a strong position relative to most of the world,” says TPPF’s Rod Bordelon. “And we will need that strength to get us through this period. We will likely have continued challenges ahead, but Texas appears well prepared.”

Counter-Revolutionaries?

What to Know: Could the American shale revolution be the real target of Russia’s moves to tank oil prices? That’s what PBS’s Ryan Chilcote believes.

The TPPF Take: The shale revolution has already survived a similar assault by Saudi Arabia, which also tried to quash it with low oil prices.

“A thriving energy market is good for America and for our allies,” says TPPF’s Jason Isaac. “We’re exporting freedom worldwide. Russia is responding to seeing its grip loosened on nations committed to liberty around the globe.”