284. Weekly Prosperity Pulse: Nothing Is Free

Here's my new Friday newsletter with key insights on pressing issues.

Happy Friday, everyone! This is the first of a new weekly tradition—your Weekly Prosperity Pulse email. I’m moving the Let People Prosper Show episode releases to Thursdays at 6:30 am CT and the This Week’s Economy episode releases to Mondays at 6:30 am CT. You can find the podcast in my Substack newsletters or on other platforms (like Apple and Spotify).

Every Friday, I'll be sharing highlights of the week, including media appearances, podcast episodes, key discussions, and insights to keep you up to date. Plus, for my paid subscribers, you’ll get an expanded version below the paywall with exclusive content and a deeper analysis of the week’s biggest topics. If you haven’t yet, be sure to become a paid subscriber!

Let’s dive into this week’s updates.

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Media Hits and Highlights

It’s been a busy week with a testimony, several new articles, and multiple media appearances. Here's a quick roundup:

• Eliminate Property Taxes in Texas

  Testimony before the Texas Senate Committee on Finance

  At this hearing, I delivered testimony strongly advocating for eliminating property taxes. Property taxes are fundamentally immoral, infringe on private property rights, and create economic inefficiencies hindering growth. Property owners should have more certainty and control over their assets, free from the burden of unpredictable taxation on property. (Watch my full testimony below and read my testimony with plenty of charts.)

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• Resist the New Right to Grow Freely
  Published at the American Institute for Economic Research:
  In this article, I address the growing influence of the "New Right" movement, which seeks to reshape American policy through progressive, interventionist approaches. While protecting jobs can be important, I argue that these policies hinder economic growth and innovation that support the jobs some try to protect. A focus on economic freedom and competition is key to long-term prosperity.

  

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• Federal Reserve Picking Market Winners and Losers
  Published at the Washington Examiner:
  In this piece, I discuss how the Federal Reserve distorts free markets by imposing price controls on debit card fees. This government overreach risks hurting consumers by reducing competition and innovation. Market-driven solutions ultimately drive progress, and the Fed should respect those mechanisms.

  

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• Price Controls Are Failing America’s Seniors
  Published at

  The Freemen News-Letter
  .
  I explore how the Inflation Reduction Act, touted as a fix for high prescription costs, is causing harm to seniors. Price controls on medications may limit innovation and access to necessary drugs, leaving those who need them most at risk. Policies that promote competition, not controls, are essential for long-term solutions.

  

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• Housing Market Regulations – What’s Next?

  Interview on The Texas Real Estate and Finance Podcast:
  I had a great conversation about how housing market regulations drive up costs and limit supply in Texas. We discussed the steps Texas and other states should take to ease regulatory burdens and create more affordable housing options for families.

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• Tariffs and Kansas: Navigating Economic Headwinds in a Global Market

  Published at the Kansas Policy Institute:
  This article examines how tariffs are affecting Kansas’s economy, particularly agriculture and manufacturing. I argue that free trade, not protectionism, is key to driving long-term economic growth and keeping consumer prices down.

  

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• Politics and Parenting: Navigating Inflation and Economic Policy

  Interview on Politics and Parenting Substack:
  I joined

  Jeff Mayhugh
  to discuss the current state of the economy and inflation and how parents can navigate these challenges. We discussed the importance of free-market policies in stabilizing inflation and shared practical advice for families on staying financially resilient in uncertain times.

  

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Let People Prosper Show

This week’s Let People Prosper Show features deep discussions on topics ranging from defense policy to empowering women in the workforce:

• Episode 112 (This Thursday):
  I sat down with Dr. Abby Blanco to discuss her new book, How to Run Wars: A Confidential Playbook for the National Security Elite, co-authored with Dr. Chris Coyne. Dr. Blanco, an Associate Professor in Economics at the University of Tampa, brought her sharp insights into U.S. defense policy and militarism. We explored the economics of war and how defense policy affects broader economic dynamics.

• Episode 113 (Next Thursday):
  Don’t miss next week’s episode with Stacy Blakely, CEO of The Policy Circle. We had a fantastic discussion about her work advancing economic freedom for women in their careers and how this helps foster economic growth and opportunities for men. Her leadership at The Policy Circle is helping redefine how women engage with economic and policy issues.

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Quote of the Week

"The most important single central fact about a free market is that no exchange takes place unless both parties benefit." – Milton Friedman.

This timeless quote from Friedman captures why economic freedom is so crucial. True prosperity happens when individuals are free to engage in voluntary exchanges that benefit all parties involved.

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Bible Verse of the Week

"So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives." – Galatians 5:16

This verse serves as a reminder to trust in God’s guidance as we navigate the complexities of life, ensuring that our decisions are rooted in faith and wisdom.

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In Conclusion

Thanks for joining me on this journey to promote economic freedom and prosperity. I hope this Weekly Prosperity Pulse keeps you informed, inspired, and ready for the week ahead. If you aren’t already a paid subscriber, now’s a great time to join for exclusive content and deeper dives below the paywall. And be sure to share this newsletter with your family and friends.

See you next Friday!