January 

Policy Orientation was the place to be—as was evidenced by our sold-out crowd. Not only did we have some of the biggest names in Texas politics, including a joint appearance by Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, giving context and an essential preview to the legislative session ahead.

February 

In February we officially launched our brand for national initiatives, States Trust. Not another DC think-tank, States Trust focuses on the perspective of the states and the principle of federalism. Using our proven model for criminal justice reform, States Trust has already become a leader in the health care, immigration, higher education and energy debates.

March 

With a six-figure advertising campaign, TPPF took the case directly to Texans and re-centered the debate on real property tax relief, not just slowing the growth. TPPF has also set the agenda for more reforms in the session to come.

April

John D. Davidson, senior fellow at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs about the border crisis and the urgent need for increased border security which will help make us safer and reduce human trafficking..

May 

Following more than a decade of work, including continued leadership from TPPF, the Legislature finally voted to end the practice of forced annexation of land into a city or other taxing entity.

June

TPPF hosted teachers from across the state for our first annual Civics Education Institute to help educators effectively teach students about our nation’s democratic principles.

July

TPPF’s David Balat testified before the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform, providing an essential counter argument to the repeated calls for disastrous expansions of government-run health care. He also shared ways people can better control their care without government interference. 

August 

Visiting more than 13 cities across the state, our State of the Taxpayer Tour shared the message of how the Legislature’s actions affected you, and it gave us an opportunity to hear directly from Texans.

September

We successfully pushed back with local town halls against a proposed “climate action plan” from the San Antonio City Council that was both draconian in its regulations and ineffective in its purpose. 

October 

We celebrated our 30th anniversary with an at-capacity crowd at the Texas History Museum, with speakers Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, reflecting on our past achievements and our successes to come.

November 

This year TPPF brought our research-based perspective and expertise to the debate with the release of our paper, “Come and Take It: What Will and What Will Not Improve Public Safety in Firearm Violence Prevention,” taking a stand for evaluating policies both for actual results and a firm commitment to Constitutional rights.

December 

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals delivered an early Christmas present as it upheld our challenge to Obamacare, ruling the individual mandate unconstitutional. TPPF represents the individual plaintiffs in this case, working to ensure that all Americans have the freedom to pursue individual health care options that meet their needs and the needs of their families.