Episódios
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Welcome to The Right Idea, the show where we break down the people, policies, and politics shaping Texas! In Episode 89, TPPF's Chief Communications Officer Bryan Phillips and Chief of Research Derek Cohen give a comprehensive recap of the final week of the Texas legislative session.
🔍 This episode covers:
🚫 The Texas House's final push to ban DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) in K-12 education📚 New rules for school libraries: cracking down on sexually explicit content📜 Governor Abbott’s bill signing to stop illegal voting in Texas🏡 The fight for housing affordability and zoning reform⚖️ The latest on criminal justice and bail reform bills🕒 The push to adopt permanent Daylight Saving Time in Texas🔥 Hot takes on barbecue, Pope merch, and Portillo’s (yes, really)🎙️ Plus: A preview of next week's full session recap and a fun segment on Texas A&M baseball history you won't want to miss.
📩 Subscribe to “The Post” newsletter for exclusive content: texaspolicy.com/thepost
2:35 Hot Take - What’s your favorite “Pope merch”?
6:45 DEI out of K-12 Texas Education
10:38 Texas cracks down on sexually explicit content in kids’ sections of public libraries
19:30 Election Integrity - new law stops illegal voting in Texas
28:28 Housing Affordability
35:20 Death Star 2.0
37:50 Bail Reform
43:00 Texas Time!
45:02 Survey Says!
51:25 Lies, Damn Lies & Statistics
52:38 What’re you watching? -
In this episode of The Right Idea, hosts Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen sit down with David Dunmoyer, Campaign Director for Better Tech for Tomorrow at TPPF, to discuss Texas’ bold leadership in tech policy. From banning social media for minors to pioneering AI regulation, Texas is setting the stage for a safer, innovative future. Learn about the shocking harms of social media on kids, the legislative push to protect the next generation, and why tech giants like Elon Musk are flocking to the Lone Star State.
2:00 Hot Take - What’s the strangest scandal in American political history?
8:20 Texas Tech Policy - Is there a reason Texas has taken the lead?
12:30 The aggressive push to limit children’s access to social media
37:28 Smart phones in Texas classrooms
49:15 2025 - The Year of the Parent!
54:23 A.I. - hero or villain? -
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TPPF's Brian Phillips, Derek Cohen, and Andrew Brown break down the final stretch of the Texas legislative session on a major deadline day. They discuss Texas’ foster care system, statewide testing, education funding, taxpayer funded lobbying, and more.
1:50 Hot Take: What page of the calendar will the House end on tonight?
5:24 Foster care in Texas
24:40 The Bell Tolls with the first deadline in the Texas House tonight
35:58 Bye-Bye Texas STAAR Test!
39:56 Senate Bill 2972 reins in college campus protests
41:17 Bail Reform in Texas
43:23 Taxpayer Funded Lobbying
47:22 What’re you watching? -
Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen have TPPF Distinguished Senior Fellow Sherry Sylvester on to discuss the battle against woke indoctrination in higher education. From the groundbreaking Senate Bill 37 to the decline of DEI programs, we explore how Texas is leading the charge to reform public universities.
2:14 Should we reopen Alcatraz to criminals?
5:00 SB 37 - addressing the growing “wokeness” of curriculum and faculty believing they run our universities
24:33 Jordan Peterson’s view that American universities are “gone”
33:43 President Trump vs. Harvard University
40:01 Maine legislator barred from speaking on the floor and casting votes over social media post
45:05 Survey Says: 72% say the increased focus on race and racial inequality after George Floyd’s death did not lead to change
51:20 Lies, Damn Lies & Statistics: Only 8% of registered voters participated in Texas' May 3 elections
58:04 What to Watch For -
Brian Phillips and guest co-host Ariana Guajardo tackle the heated debate on bail reform with Nikki Pressley from Right On Crime, exploring why Texas’ Constitution ties judges’ hands and what Governor Abbott’s push for reform means for public safety. They also explore polling insights from the Texas Lyceum and offer a sneak peek at what’s next for the Texas Legislature. And just for fun, the viral "Gorilla vs. 100 Men" social media controversy and what makes Texas truly unique—barbecue, y’all, and Southern hospitality!
1:37 Hot Take 1: Man vs. Gorilla
4:42 Hot Take 2: One “Texas thing” you’d like the rest of the nation to adopt
8:05 Key problems with the current Texas bail system
8:58 Do we need a Constitutional amendment?
12:56 Do other states have a “right to bail?”
13:48 A balanced approach that prioritizes public safety but doesn’t keep low risk defendants languishing in prison
21:31 What does polling reveal about where Texans are on this issue?
29:25 Survey Says: Texas Lyceum poll asks how “Texan” Texas residents feel about themselves
35:34 Lies, Damn Lies, Statistics: Reviewing Trump’s first 100 days
38:56 What to Watch For -
Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen discuss the escalating border security challenges as cartels target Texas with guest Ammon Blair, TPPF Senior Fellow and former Border Patrol agent. They dive into military readiness reforms from the Texas Legislature, deep state resistance to Sec. Pete Hegseth, and close with the local debt crisis driving property taxes. Plus, bail reform!
2:26 Hot Take: Was Joe Biden photoshopped into his family’s Easter picture?
6:08 Deep State attacks on Secretary Pete Hegseth
9:13 U.S. and Texas Military Readiness
19:44 Department of Defense operating under Trump’s EO’s
33:06 SB 659 passed with Ammon’s recommended language making it easier to go after every player in the game, not just the low hanging fruit
40:00 Survey Says - Only 16% of federal mangers who voted for Harris would enforce a legal order from Trump that they disagreed with
45:02 Lies, Damn Lies, Statistics - Texans face 231 separate bond propositions
51:38 What to Watch For -
Celebrate a historic win for Texas with host Brian Phillips and returning co-host Derek Cohen on The Right Idea! Dive into the passage of SB 2, marking Texas’ first-ever school choice legislation after over 36 years of conservative advocacy. From the House debate to what’s next, we break it all down. Plus, we discuss record-low illegal border crossings, higher education reforms with SB 37, non-compete agreements for doctors, and the App Store Accountability Act to protect kids online. And don’t miss our hot take on the worst Easter candy—Peeps or Cadbury Eggs?
1:27 - Hot Take: Worst Easter Candy?
4:19 Texas House passed SB 2 establishing Education Savings Accounts
16:40 What comes next for school choice?
24:55 Illegal border crossings hit record low
30:02 General Education Review Committees could "reshape how history & race are taught in state universities"
38:22 App Store Accountability Act - keeping kids safe on mobile apps
44:43 Survey Says: Support for President Trump's handling of the tariff issue has slipped over the past week
49:10 Lies, Damn Lies & Statistics: Non-compete agreements are eroding the physician-patient relationship
52:29 What’re you watching? -
Join host Brian Phillips on The Right Idea as he welcomes Abraham George, Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas, for an exclusive deep dive into the policies shaping Texas. From the push for school choice and border security to tackling property taxes and taxpayer-funded lobbying, George shares his take on the GOP’s legislative priorities during the 2025 session. Plus, hear his thoughts on Trump’s first 100 days, election integrity, and closing primaries. Don’t miss this insider look at the people, politics, and ideas driving the Lone Star State!
2:00 - Luka Doncic’s Return & Texas Sports Talk
5:30 - Chairman’s Role During Legislative Session
8:00 - Grassroots Unity & the Big Three
16:30 - School Choice: HB 3 and Beyond
21:08 - Border Security in a Trump Era
23:15 - Property Taxes: A Growing Crisis
30:20 - Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying Exposed
36:20 - Election Integrity Challenges
43:45 - Closed Primaries Debate
47:19 - What to Watch Before Sine Die
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In this episode of The Right Idea, host Brian Phillips, Chief Communications Officer at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, sits down with Texas State Representative Caroline Harris Davila from House District 52. Elected at just 28 years old, Rep. Harris Davila made waves as the Freshman Legislator of the Year, sending 13 bills to Governor Abbott’s desk in her first session. We dive into her groundbreaking work on healthcare transparency with SB 490, her push for the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) caucus, and her new bills tackling healthcare costs and HOA overreach in 2025.
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This week, Brian and Derek enjoy a “powerful” discussion regarding the future of nuclear energy in Texas with the state’s former Chief Operations Officer, Reed Clay.
0:00 Welcome
1:34 Hot Take: What’s your favorite famous political gaffe?
5:47 Introduction to the Texas Nuclear Alliance
7:30 Why has it taken so long for an organization like the Texas Nuclear Alliance to be created?
9:47 What are people’s fears regarding nuclear power?
13:27 Why has nuclear “been dark” for over a decade?
16:07 How have today’s reactors improved in regards to safety and efficiency?
23:00 What regulatory hurdles lay in front of nuclear advancement?
28:13 All things considered, including the environment, what is the viability of a nuclear business model?
32:17 Micro-reactors
35:04 NIMBY and transmission issues facing nuclear power
37:30 Legislative hurdles for nuclear power in Texas
41:08 Survey Says: 57% say that making America energy independent is more important than fighting climate change
44:46 Lies, Damn Lies, Statistics: Taxpayer Funded Lobbying
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Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen have the pleasure of sitting down with Representative Terri Leo-Wilson to discuss the recent developments in education policy under the pink dome, including bringing school choice to Texas.
1:25 Hot Take: Which business would you stop using if they took a key service away?
5:16 How do Representatives prepare for marathon debates?
11:35 Can Texas be pro-teacher AND pro-parent?
27:15 What made HB 1605 a game changer in 2023?
34:28 How can we help teachers improve across the state?
39:02 HB 1481 would prohibit smart devices in classrooms during instructional periods
42:30 HB 610 addresses severance packages run amok for superintendents
50:24 What’s next in the legislative process regarding school choice? -
TPPF's Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen react to this week’s nearly 24-hour marathon of testimony and debate over Texas House Bill 3, on Education Savings Accounts.
2:56 Hot Take: Which American product or service would you promote from the White House Lawn?
9:10 Texas House Pub Ed Committee hearing on HB3 reaction
23:35 Department of Education “vacates”
30:59 Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar will be the next chancellor of the Texas A&M University System
36:19 Texas Lawmakers aim to supplant Delaware as corporate HQ hub with new pro-business bill
40:06 Survey Says: Texans say they get their political news from social media
46:37 What to Watch For -
Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen are joined by TPPF’s K-12 Education Policy Director, Jorge Borrego, to discuss Texas' proposed Education Savings Account legislation and dispel the common myths around it.
1:19 Hot Take: Should the State of the Union return to merely a written letter to Congress?
7:40 ESAs - What are they and how do they work?
18:05 How will ESAs be prioritized?
24:05 Myth busting - School choice will kill Friday Night Lights
26:43 Myth busting - School choice will defund public schools
31:03 Myth busting - School choice = no testing nor accountability
42:25 Survey Says: Overwhelming support for ESAs
47:32 Lies, Damn Lies & Statistics - Parental Choice & Black Empowerment
52:10 What’re you watching? -
Brian and Derek discuss all things “energy,” from fossil fuels to nuclear to yes… even parent empowerment, with Jason Isaac of the American Energy Institute.
0:00 Welcome
2:12 Hot Take: Following Elon’s example, should hats be a trend at all workplaces?
4:48 School Choice is Nigh - we have the votes!
10:02 Landman… is it real?
12:35 Are we officially past the Biden assault on American energy development?
19:36 The current state of energy reliability and affordability in Texas
42:00 Survey Says: How Free is Free Speech?
45:48 Lies, Damn Lies, Statistics - taxpayer funded lobbyists are receiving tens of millions from Texans
50:45 What’re you watching? -
Brian and Derek review the incredible week’s events at TPPF’s annual Texas Policy Summit, featuring highlights from Governor Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Patrick, House Speaker Burrows, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Congressman Chip Roy and so much more!
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Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen tackle the top headlines of the week, from Valentine's Day decorum, to property tax relief, to the lies and damn lies surrounding school choice.
2:17 Hot Take: How long can you date someone and NOT have to buy them a Valentine’s Day gift?
6:50 Property Tax Relief Update
17:17 DOGE cuts nearly $1 billion from Department of Education
22:25 NIH caps non-research funding
25:36 Some in Texas want their own statewide DOGE
29:14 Should Texas be reimbursed for Operation Lone Star?
32:13 Survey Says!
32:46 Taxpayer funded lobbying
34:09 Housing affordability
35:29 Texas State Border Security Agency
35:47 Nuclear Power
36:21 Bail Reform (the numbers appear split)
39:40 Lies, Damn Lies & Statistics - School Choice Myths
45:08 What’re you watching? -
This week, Brian Phillips and TPPF’s Vice President of Policy, Andrew Brown, discuss Governor Abbott’s State of the State address, in which he outlined his top priorities for the 89th Legislative Session.
1:46 Hot Take: Best / Worst Trades in Sports History
9:06 Property Tax Relief
16:08 Water
22:07 Education
31:09 Bail Reform
35:06 The Texas Cyber Command
43:57 Survey Says: GOP & American public on the same page
51:55 What’re you watching? -
Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen tackle the top headlines of the week, from the NFL cheers, jeers and tears to the State’s 89th Legislative Session and the quick moves Trump has made nationally in merely two weeks since his inauguration.
7:03 Hot Take: Who will win the Super Bowl… and who cares?
10:24 Governor Abbott announced that he will give his State of the State address on Sunday, where he will reveal his top priorities for the 89th Legislative Session
21:16 Lieutenant Governor Patrick announced his top 40 priorities
29:07 School Choice is Winning!
39:13 Border Security
48:07 Trump swiftly downsizes the federal workforce -
Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen are joined by TPPF’s Secure & Sovereign Texas Campaign Director, Selene Rodriguez, to dive into President Trump’s Executive Orders and other plans to secure our southern border.
1:24 Hot Take: Who would be your unexpected band to headline YOUR inauguration party?
6:13 What are President Trump’s border security oriented Executive Orders?
30:11 Survey Says! U.S. leaders’ approval ratings
34:59 Lies, Damn Lies & Statistics: Public school employment is up while enrollment is down
41:09 What to watch for -
Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen are joined by the State of Texas’ Comptroller of Public Accounts, Glenn Hegar, to discuss the current and future state of Texas’ financial integrity.
1:17 Hot Take: What’s your favorite rumor or myth about the Texas Capitol?
4:53 Guest Interview: Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar
29:17 Survey Says: America has lost ground over the past four years
35:46 Lies, Damn Lies, Statistics: Squatting in Texas
46:53 What to Watch For - Mostrar mais
