61. Omicron Wave: Over in Texas Without Mandates
In this newsletter, I highlight key issues related to reducing poverty, conservative budgeting, bad policies in Washington, and the end of the omicron wave in Texas.
Hello Friend,
Thank you for reading the latest Let People Prosper newsletter. I have much to share this week so let’s get to it.
Personal take: Things are going well. We’ve been busy with soccer practices starting for my oldest son (7 years old) and the baby on the way in early April. I’ve been very busy at work as you’ll see below as we’re continuing to beef things up before the next session in Texas in January 2023. I’ve also been working with other state think tanks to help them launch their own conservative budget approach. I’m now working with 13 states to rein in the growth of government spending. It’s a great start but more to do! Speaking of more to do, it was a pleasure to have four great friends and happy budget warriors on the TPPF Conservative Budgeting Workshop #3. Don’t miss my upcoming speech at the University of Texas’ Sale Center for Policy where you can attend in person or watch online.
Hot take: I’m glad to report that the Wave 4 of COVID-19 with omicron is over without government mandates. The more we learn about this the less should be done by governments. Let freedom ring!
TEXAS & OTHER STATES ECONOMIES AND POLICIES
Final 2022-23 appropriations for Texas are below TPPF’s CTB.
Funding to government schools has soared…enough already!
Texas electricity situation was fine during ice storm from natural gas.
Need to learn spending lessons from the past.
Texas (red states) is leading the way but there’s room for improvement.
Mackinac Center releases its Sustainable Michigan Budget based on CTB.
TPPF’s agenda on providing poverty relief in Texas.
New research by my TPPF colleague E.J. Antoni on the costs of enhanced UI.
Cost of living matters to where people want to live and do business.
States don’t have a revenue problem but a spending problem, like Texas.
U.S. ECONOMY AND POLICIES
Watch my latest interview on Real America with Dan Ball on OANN.
My latest commentary on the need for a Responsible American Budget.
Crushed by the highest inflation in 40 years!
And inflation is likely higher than what’s reported…E.J. Antoni writes:
Kansas is taking steps to responsible budgeting…here’s how.
President Biden is championing something that is bogus.
Economic growth is stagnating…as I’ve been saying: Stagflation is here!
We need less government in our lives.
Trade expands greatly in 2021, and that’s a good thing.
MMT is a delusional idea.
COVID-19 SITUATION
Latest info: TX DSHS Covid-related data here. The first 2 major waves had restrictions in place. Gov. Greg Abbott lifted state restrictions on Mar. 10, 2021, and blocked local restrictions on May 21, 2021. No need for government-mandated masks, vaccines, or shutdowns. Wave #4 (2021 Winter 2 Wave) is over. Latest tweet.
Good overview of the waves in TX by Twitter handle @therealarod1984:
My co-authored op-ed with Erik Randolph of GCO.
Closing Thoughts
This!
My prayers this week are focused on this Bible verse.
Thank you for reading and sharing this newsletter. I pray that we continue to fulfill our God-given purpose and flourish. Many blessings to you and yours!
Overview of the Let People Prosper newsletter: We believe that an inclusive institutional framework with individual liberty, strong families, robust civil society, competitive capitalism, and a constitutional republic best supports abundant opportunities to relieve poverty and let people prosper. This prosperity isn’t just material but spiritual, psychological, etc. that satisfies human desires. Given this understanding and my experience and research as a free-market economist, I provide trusted views on economies and policies across America, especially Texas where I reside, and the COVID-19 situation.
Vance Ginn, Ph.D. | www.vanceginn.com | #LetPeopleProsper