Is more school funding really the key to better student outcomes—or does how we spend matter more than how much? In this episode of The Right Idea, host Brian Phillips and TPPF’s Andrew Brown sit down with Dr. Eric “Rick” Hanushek, Senior Fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution, to explore one of education’s toughest questions: Do dollars drive results—or does design and discipline matter more?Dr. Hanushek is one of the world’s leading experts on the economics of education. His groundbreaking research has shaped how policymakers think about teacher quality, school finance reform, and student achievement.Together, the panel dives deep into:The myth that more spending equals better outcomesTexas’ $100B+ public education budgetWhat’s working in Dallas, Houston, and Washington, D.C.The rise of administrative bloat in public schoolsTeacher pay, accountability, and school choice • • The impact of AI in the classroom and the future of learning
Hosts Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen dive into the critical issue of indoctrination in K-12 education with special guest Ken Pope, CEO of the Coalition for Empowered Education and Senior Fellow at the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation. They discuss how Colleges of Education are shaping teachers with ideological agendas, the impact on classrooms, and solutions to restore critical thinking and balanced education. From Marxist influences to grassroots efforts, this conversation uncovers the challenges parents face and how to combat politicized curricula.00:30 - Brian and Derek catch up: New baby and festival banter01:27 - Hot Take: Craziest band names at ACL 2025 (Wet Leg, Spacey Jane, Panda Bear, Dr. Dog)04:00 - Introducing Ken Pope: CEO of Coalition for Empowered Education06:47 - How Colleges of Education have shifted to ideological indoctrination08:52 - The long march of critical theory in academia12:03 - Exposure vs. Indoctrination: What’s the difference?14:57 - From Marxism to modern victimology: Evolution of classroom ideologies17:16 - Are teachers trained to be activists?19:43 - The disconnect between parents and teachers’ goals21:20 - Indoctrination in rural and urban schools alike23:35 - What are education students actually learning?24:27 - Shocking examples from social studies conferences29:51 - Coalition for Empowered Education’s mission to retrain teachers33:56 - Legislative and grassroots solutions to reform teacher training37:46 - Universities doing it right: Hillsdale, UATX, and others40:56 - Why mandate Colleges of Education? Alternative teacher certification44:39 - Red flags for parents: How to spot indoctrination in classrooms49:56 - How to connect with the Coalition for Empowered Education50:28 - Closing thoughts and Sam Houston’s wisdom Coalition for Empowered Education: https://cee.orgVictims of Communism Memorial Foundation: https://victimsofcommunism.org
TPPF's Derek Cohen and Jose Melendez catch up on the latest from the 89th Legislative Session and subsequent special sessions with Rep. Cole Hefner. They dive into the quorum break that put Texas in the national political spotlight before discussing policy issues like property tax reform, taxpayer-funded lobbying, housing affordability, and safeguarding Texas from foreign adversaries.00:53 – Hot Take: Jose Melendez on the Last Man Standing Ultramarathon04:12 – Rep. Cole Hefner: From Citizen to Chairman – His Journey to Public Service06:19 – Addressing Quorum Breaks: Stiffer Penalties and Legislative Challenges07:10 – Priorities for the Current Special Session08:59 – Property Taxes: Balancing State Relief and Local Government Accountability11:09 – Appraisal Reform: Ensuring Fairness and Predictability12:40 – Banning Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying15:04 – Housing Affordability: HB 840 and Revitalizing Downtown Texas17:56 – SB 17: Protecting Texas Land from Hostile Foreign Adversaries22:50 – TRACE Act and Protecting Texas Schools from Foreign Influence25:42 – Senate Bill 1362: Banning Red Flag Laws and Upholding Due Process30:16 – Transportation: Addressing CDL Standards and Interstate Challenges33:17 – Water Issues in Texas: Balancing Growth and Private Property Rights36:15 – Looking Ahead: Key Issues for the 90th Legislative Session41:14 – Survey Says: Addressing Voter Discontent with Government Responsiveness
Hosts Derek Cohen and Andrew Brown talk with Texas State Representative Stan Gerdes (HD-17) about a variety of policy issues addressed in the 89th Legislature. Tune in for the latest on water policy challenges, the future of nuclear energy, local government transparency, and the new smart device ban in schools. Plus, Rep. Gerdes dishes on representing both the Barbecue Capital of the World (Lockhart) and the home of the legendary Snow’s BBQ (Lexington).1:05 - Hot Take: What Should Be a Crime?3:09 - Barbecue Talk: Lockhart vs. Snow’s BBQ5:07 - Rep. Gerdes’ Political Journey with Gov. Rick Perry10:22 - Water Policy: Challenges and the Vista Ridge Project13:22 - Nuclear Energy: Texas as the Epicenter16:02 - HB 119: Banning Foreign Adversary Lobbying18:17 - HB 1522: Local Government Transparency25:30 - HB 2017: Grayson's Law (Intoxication Manslaughter Penalties)30:51 - HB 4086: Stopping Urban Food Waste Dumping35:02 - Unfinished Business: Local Taxation and Water Issues38:00 - Post-Interview: More Barbecue and Legislative Updates39:32 - News: West Texas A&M Drag Ban Discussion44:14 - News: Cell Phone Ban in Texas Schools50:28 - News: Travis County Bridge Rebuild Success52:49 - Survey Says: National Guard in Washington, D.C.
Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen unpack the heated Texas special session, covering the ongoing redistricting battle, the Texas Women's Privacy Act (SB 7), and critical flood response efforts in the Hill Country. From quorum breaks to property tax reforms and the push to replace the STAAR test, we explore the policies and politics shaping Texas.1:37 - Hot Take: Presidential Privileges & Trump’s FIFA Moment4:45 - Redistricting Debate: Is It Unconstitutional?18:15 - Texas Women’s Privacy Act (Bathroom Bill) Update22:45 - Flood Emergency Response Proposals32:08 - Eliminating the STAAR Test: What’s Next?35:52 - Property Tax Relief with SB 942:09 - Harris Poll: Kids, Smartphones, and Unsupervised Play50:07 - Potential Dallas Death Star Bill Lawsuit53:14 - What to Watch
In this episode of The Right Idea, co-hosts Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen sit down with Jill Tate, Vice President of Legislation for the Texas Federation of Republican Women and a powerhouse conservative activist. Jill shares her journey from a young Reagan supporter to a key player in Texas politics, diving into critical issues like school choice, property taxes, energy policy, and the fight against taxpayer-funded lobbying. They also discuss the resilience of Texas culture, the upcoming special session, and what’s next for the 90th Legislature.05:13 - Jill Tate’s background as a Texas super activist and precinct chair06:02 - How Jill got involved in conservative activism and politics10:02 - Evolution of Texas politics and the shift to a conservative stronghold14:39 - Texas cultural resilience and the significance of the Alamo21:03 - Recap of the 89th Legislature: Successes in school choice, energy, and AI23:31 - Jill’s personal story on school choice and its impact on her son30:03 - Energy policy: Nuclear power and securing Texas’ grid33:59 - SB 1283: Protecting seniors in retirement communities37:24 - Special session priorities: Women’s Privacy Act and ending STAAR testing42:30 - Looking ahead to the 90th Legislature: Energy and emerging issues45:11 - Water issues in Texas: Balancing rural and urban needs46:40 - Gambling in Texas: Concerns about social and economic impacts49:33 - Reforming Texas’ committee process for better legislative hearings1:05:11 - The fight to end taxpayer-funded lobbying in Texas
In this episode of The Right Idea, hosts Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen are joined by EJ Antoni, Chief Economist at the Heritage Foundation. They analyze the Trump economy six months into his presidency—covering job growth, tariffs, and housing challenges. Plus, the devastating Texas floods, the upcoming special legislative session, and the potential impact of AI on jobs.0:27 - Update on Texas' Flood Tragedy3:16 - Special Session Preview7:04 - EJ Antoni on the Trump Economy10:31 - Tariff Policy Concerns13:40 - June Jobs Report Breakdown16:01 - Public Perception vs. Economic Data19:12 - AI’s Future Impact on Jobs33:53 - Housing Crisis in Texas40:10 - DOGE: Government Efficiency Push44:18 - 10 Minute Drill: Survey Says, Jobs Stats, & Special Session Watch
In this explosive episode of The Right Idea, hosts Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen are joined by Chuck DeVore to dive into the biggest issues shaping Texas and beyond. From President Trump’s bold strike on Iran’s nuclear program to the unexpected Texas special session, we unpack the politics, policy, and people driving the headlines. Plus, we explore Texas’ unmatched job growth and what it means for the state’s future. Don’t miss our hot takes on iconic presidential quotes and the latest on Israel-Iran tensions!0:00 Intro to Guest Chuck DeVore4:15 Hot Take: Trump’s F-Bomb heard round the world. What is your favorite war related quote from a president?9:20 Iran vs. Israel - Where are we as of today?14:08 Operation Midnight Hammer - How’d we pull it off?25:23 Is there a MAGA divide?32:34 Appetite for regime change?38:03 Does all this expose any weak spots in the US?48:21 Survey Says: Majority of voters approve of Trump’s maneuvers53:42 Lies, Damn Lies & Statistics: Tariff hysteria just ain’t there
In this explosive episode of The Right Idea, hosts Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen sit down with Latin America expert Joshua Treviño to unpack the shocking Los Angeles riots, the role of Mexican cartels, and the escalating border security crisis. From ICE raids targeting cartel fronts to Mexican flags waving in U.S. streets, we dive into the hidden connections between the Mexican government, cartels, and U.S. protests. Treviño reveals stunning insights about Mexico’s political operatives in the U.S., the failure of U.S.-Mexico relations, and what Texas can do to protect its borders.0:00 Intro & Guest Joshua Treviño4:00 What’s going on in LA, Austin and across the country?7:35 Today’s civil unrest - Who started it?9:25. What’s a protest anymore? 13:50 What’s being protested & rioted against?23:20 What is Mexico’s role in it all?29:24 Does Mexico think they still own parts of the U.S.?38:58 Latest polls show Americans prefer order over chaos45:26 What tools do the U.S. & Texas have?
Join Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen on The Right Idea as they dive into the 89th Texas Legislative Session with Brad Johnson, senior reporter at The Texan. From the unexpected "Kumbaya" harmony among Texas leaders to major conservative victories like bail reform, water funding, and education transparency, this episode breaks down the session’s biggest wins, under-the-radar bills, and what’s next for Texas politics. Will there be a special session? What interim issues are on the horizon? Plus, a fun take on celebrity divorces! 0:00 - Intro & Guest Brad Johnson1:15 - Hot Take: Craziest Celebrity Divorces4:12 - Overall narratives of the 89th Texas Legislative Session15:40 - Most Consequential Bills (Water Deal, Bail Reform, SB 12)24:50 - Under-the-Radar Legislation (Higher Ed Reform, Semiconductor Protection)40:03 - What Didn’t Pass? Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying Ban & More48:15 - The “S” Word Rumors & Interim Priorities📩 Subscribe to “The Post” newsletter for exclusive content: texaspolicy.com/thepost
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 Education10:38 Texas cracks down on sexually explicit content in kids’ sections of public libraries19:30 Election Integrity - new law stops illegal voting in Texas28:28 Housing Affordability35:20 Death Star 2.037:50 Bail Reform43:00 Texas Time!45:02 Survey Says!51:25 Lies, Damn Lies & Statistics52:38 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 media37:28 Smart phones in Texas classrooms49:15 2025 - The Year of the Parent!54:23 A.I. - hero or villain?
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 Texas24:40 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 protests41:17 Bail Reform in Texas43:23 Taxpayer Funded Lobbying47:22 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 University40:01 Maine legislator barred from speaking on the floor and casting votes over social media post45:05 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 elections58:04 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. Gorilla4:42 Hot Take 2: One “Texas thing” you’d like the rest of the nation to adopt8:05 Key problems with the current Texas bail system8:58 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 prison21:31 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 themselves35:34 Lies, Damn Lies, Statistics: Reviewing Trump’s first 100 days38:56 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 Hegseth9:13 U.S. and Texas Military Readiness19:44 Department of Defense operating under Trump’s EO’s33:06 SB 659 passed with Ammon’s recommended language making it easier to go after every player in the game, not just the low hanging fruit40:00 Survey Says - Only 16% of federal mangers who voted for Harris would enforce a legal order from Trump that they disagreed with45:02 Lies, Damn Lies, Statistics - Texans face 231 separate bond propositions51:38 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 Accounts16:40 What comes next for school choice?24:55 Illegal border crossings hit record low30:02 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 apps44:43 Survey Says: Support for President Trump's handling of the tariff issue has slipped over the past week49:10 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 Talk5:30 - Chairman’s Role During Legislative Session8:00 - Grassroots Unity & the Big Three16:30 - School Choice: HB 3 and Beyond21:08 - Border Security in a Trump Era23:15 - Property Taxes: A Growing Crisis30:20 - Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying Exposed36:20 - Election Integrity Challenges43:45 - Closed Primaries Debate47:19 - What to Watch Before Sine Die
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.
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 Welcome1:34 Hot Take: What’s your favorite famous political gaffe? 5:47 Introduction to the Texas Nuclear Alliance7:30 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-reactors35:04 NIMBY and transmission issues facing nuclear power37:30 Legislative hurdles for nuclear power in Texas41:08 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