45. Overcoming the Existential Threat of Big Government
In this newsletter, I discuss the latest on the economic and fiscal situations in Texas and America with a focus on the need to save America by ending big government spending, taxing, and regulating.
Hello Friend,
I hope you’re well. I’m thankful that you continue to take the time to read this newsletter where we learn how: Free-market capitalism best lets people prosper.
Personal take: I was in Dallas last week at the Economic Freedom of North America meetings held by SMU’s Bridwell Institute for Economic Freedom and the Fraser Institute. We had a great discussion about the benefits of economic freedom, which is under attack across the nation and globe so we must fight back. Check out this tweet on the benefits of strong institutions that support freedom. This week I’m heading to D.C. to provide practical ways to increase economic freedom through restraining spending and providing tax relief. I enjoy these sorts of trips, but I miss my family. My oldest son who is 7 started crying when I told him that I was going to be away for a few days this week. That crushed me. I look forward to my kids reading these newsletters so they’ll have a better idea of how I always worked toward the Lord’s calling in my life to find ways to let people prosper so they flourish in every way. My wife and I talk about this often, as I’m blessed to have such an amazing woman by my side. Please keep us in your prayers as I continue to pray for you.
Hot take: What’s the role of government? My view is that government exists to preserve God-given liberty. The biggest existential threat is big governments threatening and destroying freedom. That must end.
Now for the latest on Texas, D.C., and COVID-19 in Texas.
TEXAS ECONOMIC AND FISCAL SITUATION
Lots of good stuff in the latest Ginn Economic Brief on Texas, including last week’s state-level jobs report showing how states that ended the new temporary federal UI payments earlier have faster job growth.
Here's my latest take on the improving economic and fiscal situation in #Texas along with what the #txlege can do for more ways to #letpeopleprosper in the third special session. @TPPF texaspolicy.com/texaseconomy/ @GregAbbott_TX @taxreformer @TCCRI @TexasAFP @LIBRETexas #txlege @yct
Texas Legislature’s third special session starts. Here’s what you need to know.
New piece @TPPF on the #Texas budget and #ARPA funds for the third special. #txlege ought to budget wisely, including providing property tax cuts and paying off UI debt. thecannononline.com/responsible-bu… #txlege @SenJaneNelson @DrGregBonnen @DanPatrick @DadePhelan #congressDon't miss this paper with my friend Kendall Cotton at the Frontier Institute on the trends of government spending at the local level in Montana. The ultimate burden of government is how much it spends, so spending trends matter at every level. This is a reason it is important to practice the conservative budget approach.
Institutions Matter: Why Do People Move from Red to Blue States? Opportunity
U.S. ECONOMIC AND FISCAL SITUATION
TPPF joins others in the Save America Coalition to reject the big-government nonsense in D.C. Learn more here:
I explained this nonsense on the Jacki Daily Show (Blaze) recently.
Data show income mobility continues to be upward.
Bidenflation is hurting low-income workers most and building back broker.
Bad Biden policies are contributing to rising energy prices.
More evidence that the American (Anti-)Families Plan is a disaster per the Tax Foundation.
WHAT’S UP WITH COVID-19 IN TEXAS AND BEYOND
Latest on the COVID-19 situation in Texas. More on TX DSHS Covid-related data here. Remember the first two major waves in Texas had restrictions in place, but people often forget and hospital data aren’t always the best.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott lifted state restrictions on March 10, 2021, and blocked local restrictions on May 21, 2021. Things are improving in this Wave #3 without shutdowns and mandates. Must choose freedom over fear and control.
NEW 9/19/21 #COVIDTX19 Rt=0.62, 7-day avgs, hospitalizations=Better Wave #3 Available staffed beds=13.2% (#Austin=13.4%) Case-Fat Rate: Wave #1=2.5%, #2=1.84%, #3=1.68% Since 03/2020: Fat/Pop=0.2%, Case/Pop=11.1%, CFR=1.85% Freedom > Fear/Control @TPPF @GregAbbott_TX #txlegeNEW 9/14/21 #COVIDTX19 Rt=0.74<1 + 7-day avgs suggest current Wave #3 has peaked Available staffed beds=12.6% (#Austin=13.2%) Case-Fat Rate: Wave #1=2.5%, #2=1.8%, #3=1.5% Since 03/2020: Fat/Pop=0.2%, Case/Pop=10.8%, CFR=1.8% @TPPF @GregAbbott_TX @therealarod1984 #txlege https://t.co/DqQ4vdhdq0 https://t.co/nQnVz4aChwVance Ginn @VanceGinn
Closing Thoughts
Few say things better in my opinion than the one and only Milton Friedman.
My prayers this week are focused on the following verse:
Thank you for reading and sharing this newsletter. I pray that we put our hope in the Lord and His Word so that we are ready for life’s many challenges as this helps us grow and prosper. Many blessings to you and yours, and have a prosperous week.
Vance Ginn, Ph.D. | www.vanceginn.com | #LetPeopleProsper