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Silencing Free Speech

What to Know: The conservative Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (a sister to TPPF and similar policy groups) has been sued by an Edmond billionaire for defamation, after it pointed out he advocated shutting down much of that state’s economy.

The TPPF Take: As OCPA President Jonathan Small points out, “Sometimes the truth hurts.”

“The lawsuit is a clear attack on the First Amendment rights of people and organizations to have public policy disagreements and debate,” says TPPF’s Kevin Roberts. “There’s no defamation here. It’s merely an attempt by a liberal billionaire to silence—not refute—those he disagrees with. But conservatives won’t be silenced, and Oklahomans, like Texans, know it’s time to open up the economy and get back to business.”

Well, Technically…

What to Know: Technical classes at public high schools require significant hands-on learning, and schools that offer Career and Technical Education are trying to adjust to the COVID-19 world. Some are making personal protection equipment for health care workers, but all are trying to adapt.

The TPPF Take: Now is a great time to ensure that post-coronavirus CTE courses align with the industries and jobs that need skilled workers.

“CTE at the school and district levels could be better aligned with regional workforce needs,” says TPPF’s Erin Valdez. “Partnerships between high schools and businesses can help bridge the so-called skills gap.”

Don’t Expand the Mistake

What to Know: The leader of the Texas Democratic Party says that the Lone Star State’s refusal to expand Medicaid (as part of the Affordable Care Act) has made the fallout from the coronavirus worse.

The TPPF Take: The facts refute the claim that not expanding Medicaid has made the problem worse.

“The states hardest hit by the coronavirus are states that did expand Medicaid, including New York, New Jersey, Washington and California. Clearly, Medicaid expansion is no panacea for a pandemic,” says TPPF’s Elizabeth O’Connor. “Not expanding Medicaid has allowed Texas to save taxpayer money that would have gone into a program that is fraught with issues.”