The Right Idea

In this episode of The Right Idea, host Derek Cohen sits down with Jose Melendez, campaign director for TPPF’s Government Reform & Oversight Coalition (GROC) and Taxpayer Protection Project.They dig into why Texas property tax bills keep rising despite state-level relief, how local governments spend taxpayer dollars, the push for real spending limits, transparency reforms, and why banning taxpayer-funded lobbying is the key that unlocks almost every other conservative priority in the 2027 session.Jose also breaks down Grok’s top priorities, the role of the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office (TRIO), housing affordability, and what everyday Texans can do to hold lawmakers accountable.Timestamps:0:00 – Intro & welcome to Jose Melendez0:58 – TPP vs. GROC: Money vs. structure2:27 – What local leaders are saying ahead of 20275:16 – Why tax relief isn’t enough without reform7:31 – How GROC was born & its portfolio10:21 – Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office (TREO/DOGE)14:42 – Bringing efficiency audits to local government17:13 – Local spending caps (population growth + inflation)19:25 – Why transparency still fails taxpayers22:49 – Senator Middleton on open records & the “roaches”24:46 – What taxpayer-funded lobbying really is26:21 – $111 million spent on lobbyists last session29:59 – Chairman Vasut on banning taxpayer-funded lobbying31:13 – Why 2027 looks different33:46 – GROC’s top 3 priorities for next session35:37 – How listeners can get involvedListen on all major podcast platforms and visit TexasPolicy.com for more research and model legislation.

Texas property taxes keep rising despite billions in state relief. In this episode of The Right Idea, Derek Cohen sits down with James Quintero, Policy Director at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, to break down why relief isn’t enough and what real reform looks like.They discuss local spending limits, the sales tax swap idea, voter-driven tax cuts, the “Death Star Bill” (Texas Regulatory Consistency Act), and how to rein in runaway local government spending in cities like Austin.Key topics covered:* Why property taxes continue climbing despite $18B+ in cuts* Local spending caps tied to population + inflation* Sales tax for property tax swap proposal* Allowing voters to directly cut tax rates via referendum* Expanding the Death Star Bill / field preemption* Fixing deceptive local tax ballot languageTimestamps:* 00:08 – Welcome & Introduction* 00:44 – Hot Take: How to Beat the Texas Heat* 02:51 – The History of Property Tax “Reform” in Texas* 06:10 – Relief vs. Real Reform: Why Billions Haven’t Fixed the Problem* 10:02 – Rep. Cody Vasut on Local Spending Limits* 10:56 – Why Texas Needs Local Government Spending Caps* 12:53 – Austin’s Out-of-Control Priorities* 15:47 – Rep. Jeff Barry on the Sales Tax Swap for Property Taxes* 22:22 – Voter Power: Tax Cut Elections & Referendums* 29:54 – The “Death Star Bill” (Texas Regulatory Consistency Act) Explained* 33:01 – Enforcement Challenges & Next Steps* 36:55 – Expanding Field Preemption* 38:18 – Closing ThoughtsIf you’re a Texas homeowner tired of rising property taxes, this episode gives you the clearest picture yet of the solutions on the table for the next legislative session.

TPPF's Derek Cohen and Kate Bierly break down the biggest challenges and solutions in Texas K-12 education.They cover everything from pushing back against the "college for all" myth with strong Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, to fixing teacher certification barriers for trades, addressing rural workforce needs, combating gender ideology in teacher training, and tackling screen time with cell phone bans and Chromebook policies.Kate (Campaign Director for TPPF's Next Generation Texas initiative) shares insights from her experience in elite education programs, real classroom stories, and practical policy fixes to better serve Texas students and families.

In this episode of The Right Idea, Derek Cohen sits down with Carson Clayton, TPPF Life Powered Campaign Director, to break down the controversial 765 KV transmission lines (Strategic Transmission Expansion Plan / STEP).Texas lawmakers and activists are sounding the alarm over a $33 billion plan to build massive ultra-high voltage transmission lines across the state — cutting through pristine Hill Country and farmland — instead of addressing the root cause: Texas’ broken energy market that over-subsidizes intermittent wind and solar while under-building reliable dispatchable power.Featuring powerful clips from Senator Kevin Sparks and Representative Brad Buckley.Key Topics:Why the Permian Basin — one of the most energy-rich regions in the world — needs power imported from Central TexasHow federal subsidies, ESG pressure, and ERCOT’s energy-only market are distorting investmentThe massive cost to ratepayers and landownersWhat real market reform looks like to prevent blackouts and unnecessary transmission boondogglesTimestamps:00:00 - Welcome & Introduction to the 765 Lines Controversy01:23 - What Are the 765 KV Transmission Lines?02:41 - Senator Kevin Sparks on the Permian Basin Plan04:40 - Why Wind & Solar Boom Created a Reliability Crisis08:37 - Senator Sparks on ERCOT Market Failures & Subsidies09:39 - How the Energy-Only Market Rewards Unreliable Power12:19 - Federal Policy, ESG, and Renewable Credits Driving the Problem15:12 - Rep. Brad Buckley: Pause the Project & Reform the Market17:02 - Proposed Market Reforms (SB 715 & Reliability Standards)20:01 - The Coming Reliability Cliff & Why Transmission Is Just a Band-Aid21:22 - How Much Gas Generation Would Make the 765 Lines Unnecessary?If you care about Texas energy independence, affordable electricity, property rights, and keeping the lights on, this is a must-watch.

Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne joins The Right Idea to discuss some of the biggest issues shaping Texas and America: border security, immigration enforcement, H1B visa fraud, AI-driven energy demand, data centers, and the rise of the creator economy.Hosts Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen also break down the latest Senate race developments, GOP turnout questions, and why Texas continues to lead the nation in economic growth and energy production.Congresswoman Van Duyne explains why Texas stepped in during the Biden-era border crisis, discusses the fight over SB 4 and state sovereignty, details allegations of H1B visa fraud in North Texas, and shares why she launched the Congressional Creators Caucus to support digital creators, podcasters, YouTubers, and independent media entrepreneurs.01:11 - Hot Take: Texas Primary Election turnout03:35 – Introducing Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne04:30 – SB 4, border security & states’ rights08:48 – Immigration enforcement under Trump vs. Biden12:05 – How Congress can codify border security reforms15:00 – Investigating alleged H1B visa fraud in North Texas17:20 – Texas energy dominance & economic growth18:15 – AI, data centers & ERCOT’s energy strategy21:50 – The Congressional Creators Caucus explained24:15 – AI content theft & protecting creators26:00 – The future of independent media & influencers

Texas is taking a bold stand against excessive regulations. In this episode of The Right Idea, Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen sit down with Jerome Greener, Director of the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office (TREO), to discuss the state’s aggressive new push to cut red tape and boost economic freedom.The team breaks down TREO’s first major findings — nearly $120 million in potential savings from just the initial review of 11 agencies — and how they’re using AI to make government work better for Texans. From licensing reforms for electricians, plumbers, and HVAC techs to modernizing outdated rules, this is one of the most ambitious regulatory reform efforts in the country.Plus: The growing focus on government fraud and waste, why Texas needs this office despite its pro-business reputation, and how everyday Texans can help shape the next round of cuts.01:08 – Hot Take: Government Fraud & Waste in 202604:16 – Guest Introduction: Jerome Greener, Director of Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office (TREO)06:22 – $123 Million in Potential Savings Explained07:53 – Why Texas Still Needs Major Regulatory Reform08:49 – How TREO Differs from the Sunset Process09:59 – The Massive Texas Administrative Code: 20 Million Words & 274K Restrictions10:23 – What Makes a Regulation Too Burdensome?11:30 – TREO’s Review Process & Multi-Layer Accuracy Checks13:04 – How the Public Can Submit Regulations for Review14:17 – How Texas Compares to Virginia & Florida15:55 – Meet “Sam” — Texas’ Powerful AI Regulatory Chatbot17:59 – A One-Stop Tool for Licensing & Rules20:00 – Transparency, Agency Follow-Through & Future Savings21:39 – Long-Term Vision: Billions in Savings & Millions of Words Cut23:22 – Creating Government to Cut Government? Addressing Conservative Concerns25:02 – Working with the Texas Legislature on Statutory Changes26:47 – Real Examples of Regulatory Modernization29:26 – Future Plans: Taking on Local Government Regulations?30:40 – Balancing Safety, Freedom & Prosperity31:55 – How Texans Can Engage with TREO

TPPF's Derek Cohen talks with Chance Weldon, Director of Litigation at the Center for American Future, to break down a new lawsuit challenging the federal machine gun ban.Second Amendment aside, does Congress even have the constitutional authority under the Commerce Clause to ban machine gun possession? Find out how a win could reshape federal regulation far beyond firearms.1:09 – Overview of the Fifth Circuit case & Judge Willett's unique concurrence1:52 – National Firearms Act (NFA) structure: bans, taxes, registration2:22 – Why this challenge is Article I / Commerce Clause (not Second Amendment)4:41 – What the Commerce Clause actually allows (channels, instrumentalities, substantial effects)5:58 – Post-New Deal expansion & pushback: Lopez (1995), Morrison, Raich7:42 – Substantial effects test & aggregation (Wickard wheat example)10:05 – Would Texas residents suddenly buy machine guns? State vs. federal power12:16 – Government's strongest counterarguments & old Fifth Circuit precedent14:23 – Why this Supreme Court might limit Commerce Clause overreach (Thomas, Gorsuch, Alito, Roberts)17:19 – Broader implications: eviction moratorium, OSHA vaccine mandate, corporate reporting18:51 – Why non-gun owners should care: unlimited federal power threatens liberty & federalism

In this episode of The Right Idea, Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen sit down with Sarah Steeby, Executive Director of the Napolitan Institute, to unpack the massive Democratic primary turnout surge in Texas, the hype around Rep. James Talarico's U.S. Senate bid, Republican challenges uniting the base, and whether Texas is really "turning blue" in 2026.Sarah shares unbiased polling insights on the economy, immigration, Hispanic voters, transgender issues in sports/bathrooms, the "10-10-80" voter split, and why fundamentals — not vibes — win elections. We also cover open statewide seats, school choice, border security, moms as a key demographic, and national trends like Iran and the economy heading into November.01:13 – Hot Take: March Madness VERY Early Previews05:27 – Sarah Steeby joins: Napolitan Institute polling trends & is Texas turning blue?06:05 – Fundamentals that matter: Economy, immigration, cultural issues07:40 – Democrat exuberance vs. Republican apathy — independent factors?09:01 – Trump base energy, traditional GOP voters, and party unity challenge10:24 – James Talarico effect: Charm vs. policy reality12:32 – Early polling traps & why November changes everything14:54 – California transplants, misunderstood Hispanic voters & strong borders18:02 – Empowering parents: "Who decides?" messaging for Hispanics & beyond20:45 – Top issues for open seats: Economy, personal finances, national security23:30 – Moms of young families as a rising force in Texas politics25:51 – Reaching the 80% in the middle: Common-sense, respectful solutions30:22 – True moderates in politics — can anyone crack the code?34:10 – Why common sense doesn't raise money + media/data misalignment36:04 – Open statewide races, Democrat legislative records exposed44:46 – Prospects for substantive policy debates in 202646:22 – National outlook: Economy, Iran, and midterm risks for Republicans

Just in time for National Marriage Week and Valentine's Day, TPPF's Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen dive into the evolving landscape of marriage and family in America. Family policy experts Hannah Bruck and Noah Torres join to discuss declining marriage rates, fertility trends, cultural shifts like dating apps and "hetero fatalism," and pro-family policies to encourage family formation. This episode explores why fewer Americans are tying the knot and what policymakers can do about it.01:10 - Hot Take: Worst Valentine's Day Gifts04:20 - Guests Introduction: Hannah Bruck and Noah Torres 04:48 - Causes of Delayed Marriages: Technology, Dating Apps, and Economic Pressures 06:35 - What Young People Are Waiting For: Unrealistic Standards and Soulmate Myths 08:41 - Pro-Family Policy Philosophy: Family as the Core Unit of Society 14:10 - Cultural Communication: Convincing Young People Marriage Leads to Happiness 15:22 - Combating Social Media Echo Chambers and Influencer Lifestyles 17:07 - Who Are the Best Messengers? Celebrities, Pop Culture, and Community Leaders 18:56 - Role of Communities, Churches, and Friend Groups in Promoting Marriage 20:41 - The Success Sequence: Education, Job, Marriage – Path to Flourishing 21:44 - Pushback on Teaching Success Sequence in Schools 23:52 - Hetero Fatalism Explained: Why Boyfriends Are "Out" and Relationships Seen as Doomed 33:04 - Pushing Back: Policy and Culture to Restore Commitment 37:19 - Concern: Not Enough "Marriageable" People Due to Changing Expectations39:10 - High-Connection Couples: Key to Satisfaction and Happiness 40:44 - Dating Apps: Still Destroying Relationships? 42:03 - Hurdles to Having Kids: Costs, Housing, and Cultural Parenting Pressures 44:50 - Politics and Marriage: Polarization, Tribalism, and Government Incentives 47:44 - Dating Across Political Lines: Focus on Love Over Ideology 49:45 - Conservatives and Pro-Family Government Policies: Tax Credits and More 52:10 - Marriage Tips and Communication Advice 53:57 - Future of Family Success Project: Parental Rights, TANF Reform, AI in Families 

In this special emergency edition of The Right Idea, TPPF's Brian Phillips, Robert Henneke, and Mandy Drogin react to the recent wave of student walkouts protesting immigration enforcement.Hundreds of students — including middle schoolers — left campuses during school hours, with some districts allegedly facilitating or failing to stop the disruptions. Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Education Agency (TEA), and Attorney General Ken Paxton have launched investigations, threatened funding cuts, and warned of educator accountability for enabling these actions.0:00 – Intro: Massive Texas student walkouts protesting ICE1:00 – Gov. Abbott, TEA & AG response: Funding threats & investigations2:12 – Rob Henneke: First Amendment rights vs. school discipline rules4:55 – Why schools MUST enforce rules — no "protest exception"6:49 – Mandy Drogin: As a parent — terrified & furious at the dangers7:52 – Indoctrination in schools: Low civics scores & Marxist influences10:52 – What school leaders SHOULD do: Enforce consequences immediately13:11 – Kids unsupervised downtown — safety failures exposed16:47 – Abuse of power by administrators facilitating walkouts19:40 – Investigations: Holding teachers & districts accountable22:39 – Where is the line between neutrality & active support?26:09 – Planned in advance — prior warnings ignored31:02 – Consequences needed: Funding cuts & license revocations34:49 – Parents: File complaints with TEA Inspector General37:33 – Fight back: 90th Legislative Session & parent empowerment39:21 – School choice explosion — alternative to failing districts42:40 – It's not too late for parents to act & protect kids47:16 – Rob's closing: Join the parent army to retake education