Of Note

Texas Voice for Health Reform Texas Voice for Health Reform (TVHR) aims to inform and mobilize all Texans on the national debate on health care reform.
> more Building Texas: The 2010-2011 State Budget This piece analyzes our state’s new budget, focusing on areas that are especially important to low- and moderate-income Texans.
> more What Does It Really Take to Get By in Texas? It’s been well documented that the federal poverty level doesn’t accurately measure today’s cost of living. But what does it really take to get by in Texas?
> more A Guide Through the Matrix of HHSC Contracting CPPP has created a contracting matrix that describes major HHSC contracting opportunities related to the delivery of health and human services.
> more Problems Enrolling in Public Benefits? If you or someone you are helping is having problems enrolling for benefits through Texas' new eligibility system, please let us know.
> more Promoting Prosperity for Texas: The Role of State and Local Governments This ten-minute video by Executive Director Scott McCown is designed for you to use to teach others about the funding challenges facing Texas. There's no waiting--the video begins instantly.
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LATEST WORK

The Gates Case: What It Means for Child Protective Services

June 26, 2009

In July 2008, the United States Court of Appeal for the Fifth Circuit published a decision in the case of Gates v. the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). The Fifth Circuit set guidelines under the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution for state caseworkers to follow in making investigation and removal decisions in child protection cases. This policy page discusses what Gates means for caseworkers in the field, explores its impact on Child Protective Services (CPS), and makes recommendations about what the state and CPS need to do next.

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Building Texas: The 2010-2011 State Budget

June 24, 2009

Texas needs to make significant public investments in infrastructure and services to ensure our prosperity. Unfortunately, Texas is a low-tax state with a structural deficit. In 2006, the state made its structural deficit worse by pledging to pay for a local school property tax cut. The “hole” or uncovered cost of that tax cut is now almost $10 billion per biennium. To add to the state’s woes, just before the legislative session began in 2009, the country went into a severe economic recession that substantially reduced state tax revenues. Fortunately, the federal government stepped in with Recovery Act funding. Even so, many important projects and programs were left unfunded or inadequately funded. This analysis, Building Texas: The 2010-2011 State Budget, focuses on areas of the budget that are especially important to low- and moderate-income Texans.

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CPPP Expresses Disappointment with House Failure to Vote on CHIP; Thanks All Who Supported CHIP

June 1, 2009

Austin, Texas--The Center for Public Policy Priorities today expressed disappointment with the Texas House of Representatives’ failure to vote on the Conference Committee Report for SB 2080, legislation that would have made more uninsured children eligible for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The Senate adopted the CCR for SB 2080 on Sunday night, but the House adjourned on Sunday without considering the legislation and refused to consider it today before adjournment.

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To view a complete listing of all of our work by date, click here.