Texas Talks

Texas Talks

5.0 (2)
GOVERNMENT
UPDATED WEEKLY

Texas Talks with Brad Swail is a weekly podcast that features wide-ranging discussions with the people, organizations, and businesses that shape public policy in Texas. Texas Talks aims to provide listeners with a deeper understanding of the policy debates and reasons and insight into the personalities that shape public policy in Texas.

1D AGO

AI and Public Policy: Transforming Government w/Tanner Jones & Chris Minge

This episode kicks off the Texas Talks Special Series: AI and Public Policy, a multi-part series exploring how artificial intelligence will reshape governance at every level in the years ahead. Artificial intelligence is advancing at an unprecedented pace — but can government keep up? In this episode of Texas Talks, host Brad Swail is joined by Tanner Jones and Chris Minge, cofounders of Vulcan Technologies, to launch the series with a deep dive into how AI is already transforming the private sector — and why government risks falling dangerously behind if it fails to adapt. Jones and Minge explain how their company is working to bring “frontier AI” into state and federal government, giving policymakers the tools to better understand laws, budgets, and regulatory systems in real time. They argue that without modernization, the gap between private-sector innovation and government capability could grow so wide that it undermines effective governance. The discussion also dives into the structural problems holding government back — from outdated procurement systems to legacy vendors delivering obsolete technology — and how those inefficiencies impact everything from permitting to policymaking. The conversation also covers: • Why government technology often lags years behind the private sector • How outdated procurement systems slow innovation and increase costs • The risks of governments relying on outdated AI models • Why AI should serve as a tool for policymakers — not replace them • How Vulcan’s platform helps navigate massive legal and regulatory datasets • The challenge of building clean, usable government data from fragmented systems • How AI can reduce months-long processes (like permitting) down to days • The dangers of a fragmented, state-by-state regulatory patchwork • Why startups — not just legacy vendors — are critical to innovation in government • How Texas is positioning itself as a national leader in AI-driven governance • The broader economic and policy implications of AI adoption Jones and Minge also highlight real-world results, including dramatic reductions in time spent on routine government tasks and the ability for public servants to focus more on high-level policy work instead of clerical processes. Looking ahead, they argue that states like Texas that successfully integrate AI into governance will see faster economic growth, more efficient public services, and a stronger competitive advantage — while those that fail to adapt risk falling further behind. 00:00 — Introduction to AI and public policy series 00:27 — Tanner Jones and Chris Minge introduce Vulcan Technologies 01:10 — Founders’ background and company origin story 02:28 — The growing gap between private sector and government tech 03:55 — Why outdated government tech threatens the “Republic” 05:10 — Procurement failures and legacy vendors explained 06:59 — Why citizens often have better AI tools than government 07:47 — Are government buyers equipped to evaluate tech? 09:08 — How AI models rapidly become outdated 10:38 — Concerns about AI accuracy, hallucinations, and control 11:49 — AI as a tool vs decision-maker in government 13:13 — What happens if government falls too far behind 14:38 — Procurement bottlenecks and adoption challenges 16:10 — Vendor lock-in and inflated government tech costs 17:54 — Why Vulcan ships updates differently 18:58 — Real-world use cases: governors and policymaking tools 20:15 — Navigating legal, budget, and regulatory systems with AI 21:26 — Why generic AI tools fail for government use 22:42 — Building massive legal datasets from scratch 24:06 — The challenge of unusable government data (PDFs, scans) 26:17 — Texas innovation and the Regulatory Efficiency Office 27:47 — The risks of a fragmented AI regulatory patchwork 29:20 — Balancing AI innovation with necessary guardrails 31:16 — Compliance challenges and FedRAMP 33:02 — Real-world example: fixing permitting bottlenecks 35:23 — What becomes possible with AI in government 37:08 — Cleaning up contradictory laws and regulations 38:43 — Real results: time savings and productivity gains 41:21 — The future of AI-driven governance in Texas 44:06 — Economic growth and competitive advantage from AI adoption 45:03 — Closing thoughts and where to learn more Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

46 min
2D AGO

The Future of Texas' Court System

As part of the Future of Texas series in partnership with Texas 2036, this episode explores how Texas courts and the justice system must evolve to serve a rapidly growing state. In this episode of Texas Talks, host Brad Swail is joined by Chief Justice Wallace B. Jefferson, former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas, and Luis Soberon, Senior Policy Advisor and In House Counsel at Texas 2036, for a forward-looking conversation about the future of courts, access to justice, and judicial reform in Texas. As Texas adds more residents, more businesses, and more complexity to its economy, the demands on the justice system are growing as well. Chief Justice Jefferson and Soberon discuss how population growth affects everything from family law and criminal dockets to business disputes and court backlogs — and why the state must modernize now if it wants to preserve public trust and timely access to justice by 2036. The conversation also examines how Texas courts have already evolved through electronic filing, virtual hearings, and greater public transparency, while also looking ahead to the next wave of change driven by AI, data systems, and digital tools that could make the justice system more accessible and more efficient. The discussion also covers: • Why access to justice still depends too heavily on who can afford a lawyer • How legal aid, pro bono work, and technology can help narrow that gap • The role of e-filing, courtroom livestreams, and digital systems in modernizing courts • How AI could improve legal access and court administration without replacing human judgment • Why Texas may need more courts, more judges, and stronger court funding as the state grows • Whether partisan judicial elections still make sense in a more populous and polarized Texas • Why court data and transparency are essential to understanding backlog, performance, and reform • How simple changes like text reminders and clearer notices can improve compliance and reduce harm • Why backlog reduction and access to justice may be the clearest markers of success by 2036 Chief Justice Jefferson argues that Texas should aim to become a national leader in ensuring every resident can protect their most basic rights in court, while Soberon emphasizes that better data, smarter administration, and sustained investment will be critical if the justice system is going to keep pace with Texas’s future. Through the Future of Texas podcast series, Texas 2036 brings together diverse perspectives as we explore the opportunities and challenges facing our state over the next ten years. The views expressed in this program are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Texas 2036, its staff or its Board of Directors. 00:00 — Introduction to the Future of Texas series and today’s justice focus 00:29 — Why population growth puts pressure on Texas courts 01:14 — Guests introduced: Chief Justice Wallace B. Jefferson and Luis Soberon 02:26 — What it means for justice to evolve in a growing state 03:22 — Access to justice and why cost remains the biggest barrier 04:15 — Technology, remote hearings, and how courts have already changed 05:44 — Chief Justice Jefferson on modernizing the Texas court system 07:16 — AI, court technology, and the future of legal access 09:53 — The growing gap between people who have lawyers and people who do not 11:22 — Legal aid, self-help tools, and high-volume civil cases 15:20 — How AI could transform legal work without replacing judges or lawyers 20:04 — How growth affects court demand, specialization, and business courts 24:25 — More judges, more courts, and pressure on judicial elections 27:53 — Can judicial independence survive a hyperpartisan environment? 32:23 — What a chief justice actually does in the Texas court system 37:30 — The data problem in Texas courts and why it matters 41:06 — How better data could reveal backlog, performance, and reform needs 47:30 — Transparency, text reminders, and making courts easier to navigate 53:08 — State policy changes needed to modernize Texas justice 56:16 — The one metric that will show whether Texas got it right by 2036 Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

59 min
APR 2

Current and Future Justice Reforms in Texas w/ Marc Levin

In this episode of Texas Talks, host Brad Swail sits down with Marc Levin, Chief Policy Counsel at the Council on Criminal Justice, for a wide-ranging conversation about where criminal justice reform stands in Texas today — and what lawmakers should be focused on next. Levin reflects on his long history in Texas criminal justice policy, from the 2007 reforms that helped the state avoid building thousands of new prison beds to the current push for a smarter, more data-driven justice system. He explains why public safety remains the core mission of government, but argues that Texas works best when policy is guided by proportionality, fairness, accountability, and evidence about what actually reduces crime and recidivism. The conversation explores recent reforms from the 89th Texas Legislature, including expanded pretrial funding, parole process changes through the Sunset review of TDCJ, and the constitutional amendment updating bail rules. Levin also discusses why plea bargaining deserves more scrutiny, how better data could help policymakers compare sentences and outcomes across counties, and why transparency matters if Texas wants to know whether its justice system is truly working. The discussion also covers: • The importance of pretrial services and front-loading treatment and support • Geriatric parole and streamlining release decisions for low-risk elderly inmates • Why Texas still needs better sentencing and recidivism data • The debate over prison air conditioning and what “smart justice” should mean • How AI can help solve crimes and inform decisions — without replacing human judgment • Why veterans need better identification and support within the justice system • Clean slate proposals for automatic record sealing of minor misdemeanors • Fentanyl testing strips as a harm-reduction tool to save lives • “Second look” sentencing for people who committed serious crimes as juveniles • Why trust in the justice system may be just as important as recidivism rates Levin makes the case that Texas has already shown it can lower both crime and incarceration at the same time — but only if lawmakers keep focusing on reforms that are practical, measurable, and rooted in outcomes rather than rhetoric. 00:00 — Introduction and Marc Levin joins the podcast 01:05 — Marc Levin’s background and Texas criminal justice reform history 03:38 — What a smarter justice system actually looks like 05:16 — The biggest reforms from the 89th Texas Legislature 06:45 — Pretrial services, treatment, and front-loaded support 08:29 — Plea bargains, coercion, and the “trial penalty” 10:47 — Why Texas needs better sentencing and justice system data 12:45 — TDCJ Sunset review and parole process changes 16:18 — Prison air conditioning and the debate over humane conditions 19:17 — Why solving more crimes matters more than harsher conditions 21:36 — How AI is changing criminal justice policy 24:24 — Risk assessments, facial recognition, and guardrails for AI 29:00 — Priorities for the 90th Texas Legislature 29:45 — Veterans justice reform and better reentry support 34:08 — Clean slate policy and sealing minor misdemeanor records 35:54 — Fentanyl testing strips and harm reduction 38:06 — Second look sentencing for juveniles 40:18 — Is recidivism the best metric for justice reform? 43:26 — Long-term Texas trends in crime, incarceration, and reform 45:13 — Final thoughts: data, trust, and what Texas should do next Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

48 min
MAR 31

The Future of Megaregions

As part of the Future of Texas series in partnership with Texas 2036, this episode explores how rapid population growth is reshaping the state — and what it will take to manage that growth successfully over the next decade. In this episode of Texas Talks, host Brad Swail is joined by Henry Cisneros, former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and former mayor of San Antonio, and A.J. Rodriguez, Executive Vice President at Texas 2036, for a deep dive into the rise of Texas “mega regions” — particularly the fast-growing Austin–San Antonio corridor. With Texas now exceeding 31 million residents and continuing to grow rapidly, the conversation focuses on how interconnected metropolitan regions — including the broader Texas Triangle — are becoming the true drivers of economic growth, population expansion, and global competitiveness. Cisneros and Rodriguez explain that Texas is no longer defined primarily by rural or energy-based economies, but by large, dynamic urban regions producing the majority of the state’s GDP. They argue that the key challenge ahead is not whether Texas will grow — but whether leaders can plan effectively to manage that growth. The discussion also covers: • The rise of the Austin–San Antonio mega region and the broader Texas Triangle • Why regional collaboration — not city-by-city planning — is critical to future success • Housing affordability challenges and the risks of underbuilding • Water supply, infrastructure gaps, and long-term sustainability concerns • Transportation bottlenecks, congestion, and the need for rail and mobility innovation • Workforce development, education, and closing the postsecondary attainment gap • Economic mobility, poverty challenges, and the importance of human capital investment • Lessons from other global regions that failed — or succeeded — in managing growth The conversation highlights a central theme: Texas is at a pivotal moment. With the right planning, coordination, and investment, it could become one of the most dynamic economic regions in the world — but failure to act could lead to congestion, affordability crises, and missed opportunity. Through the Future of Texas podcast series, Texas 2036 brings together diverse perspectives as we explore the opportunities and challenges facing our state over the next ten years. The views expressed in this program are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Texas 2036, its staff or its Board of Directors. 00:00 — Introduction to Texas growth and the Future of Texas series 00:25 — Texas population growth and rise of mega regions 01:15 — Guests introduced: Henry Cisneros and A.J. Rodriguez 02:01 — Urbanization and the Texas Triangle explained 03:36 — Why Texas growth is inevitable — and what’s at stake 05:09 — Regionalism and planning for 2036 population growth 06:18 — Austin–San Antonio mega region and regional identity 08:14 — Economic power of Texas metro regions 09:44 — Texas as a global economic competitor 10:38 — Collaboration vs competition between cities 11:32 — Infrastructure challenges: transportation and congestion 16:11 — Water supply risks and long-term planning 18:43 — Housing affordability and supply challenges 22:08 — Economic mobility and poverty concerns 25:02 — Workforce development and education gaps 29:00 — Need for regional coordination and governance structures 32:04 — Rail, mobility innovation, and future transportation 37:00 — Role of state government and policy coordination 41:34 — Lessons from other regions that failed to plan 45:13 — Global competition and Texas’s economic potential 52:17 — Preparing the workforce for AI and future jobs 54:56 — What Texas must focus on before 2036 57:04 — Final vision: what Texas could become if done right Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

59 min
MAR 24

Future of Work in Texas: Skills, Mobility, Opportunity w/Roy Spence & Renzo Soto (Future of Texas)

As part of the Future of Texas series in partnership with Texas 2036, this episode explores a critical question: how does Texas ensure its economic growth translates into real opportunity, mobility, and purpose for its people? In this episode of Texas Talks, host Brad Swail is joined by Roy Spence, co-founder and longtime chairman of GSD&M and founder of the Make It Movement and the Purpose Institute, along with Renzo Soto, Deputy Director of Education and Workforce Policy at Texas 2036, for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of work in Texas. The discussion focuses on skills, workforce readiness, career awareness, and how Texas can better connect students and workers to meaningful, high-opportunity careers. Soto explains how Texas is trying to align education and workforce systems earlier and more effectively, including through dual credit, career and technical education, outcomes-based funding, and better data connections between schools, colleges, and the labor market. Spence argues that Texas does not just have a workforce challenge — it has a marketing challenge. He makes the case that young Texans and their families need clearer, more inspiring language around purpose, careers, and financial independence, and that the state must do a far better job of showing students the real opportunities available to them while they are still in school. The conversation also explores: • Why Texas is outperforming much of the country on enrollment and workforce growth • The “90-60-30” challenge in postsecondary attainment • How dual credit, CTE, and early career exploration can change student outcomes • Why purpose matters just as much as paycheck • How AI is reshaping work and why AI literacy matters for students and workers • The importance of better education-to-workforce data • Why Texas can lead the nation by helping more people “make it in Texas” This is a big-picture conversation about how Texas can turn growth into real opportunity — not just for students entering the workforce, but for workers, families, and communities across the state. 00:00 — Introduction to the Future of Texas series and guest introductions 00:57 — Roy Spence on purpose, partnership, and marketing as a force for good 04:05 — Renzo Soto on why the future of work matters to Texas 2036 05:35 — The “90-60-30” challenge and postsecondary opportunity in Texas 07:18 — Why Texas is bucking national enrollment trends 11:10 — Roy Spence on purpose, talent, and not trying to be average 14:04 — The marketing problem: making Texans aware of career pathways 17:23 — Choice, purpose, and helping young people discover meaningful work 19:59 — Stress points in Texas: credentials, awareness, and workforce shortages 20:46 — Why better data is critical to workforce alignment 25:14 — AI, disruption, and preparing students for a changing economy 30:25 — How to make skilled careers exciting and purposeful 33:23 — What parents want and the case for financial independence 36:41 — Why early exploration and CTE opportunities matter 42:05 — What Texas is doing right on outcomes and accountability 48:49 — Rebranding pathways and measuring how many Texans are “making it” 57:22 — Final thoughts on success, purpose, and the Texas identity Through the Future of Texas podcast series, Texas 2036 brings together diverse perspectives as we explore the opportunities and challenges facing our state over the next ten years. The views expressed in this program are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Texas 2036, its staff or its Board of Directors. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

1h 6m
MAR 19

Using AI to Improve Transparency w/Charles Blain

Brad Swail welcomes Charles Blain—Houston Chronicle contributor, Manhattan Institute City Journal writer, Fox 26 panelist, author of the forthcoming The Brotherhood of Facts (Johns Hopkins Press, spring 2027), and founder of Local Insights. Charles shares how an accidental AI-assisted review of Houston Metro contract documents uncovered a $215k-to-$4.2M ballooning deal tied to board chair conflicts—ultimately leading to cancellation after public pushback. He explains how Local Insights aggregates Texas local government data (budgets, bonds, agendas, campaign finance, property records, business ownerships, jail stats, court filings) into searchable dashboards, cross-references, trend alerts, and interrogatable interfaces—empowering everyday citizens, journalists, and activists to hold officials accountable without needing newsroom resources. They discuss AI’s role in leveling the civic playing field: parsing dense agendas, flagging anomalies, aiding open records fights, and educating users on government mechanics (strong vs. weak mayor systems, charters, CAFRs vs. budgets). Charles critiques Trump-era talk of banning institutional homebuyers (mostly mom-and-pop investors, not mega-corps) and argues Texas should focus on permitting reform, standardized processes, property tax relief (e.g., incentives for first-time buyers near aging parents), and deeper transparency mandates to boost affordability. Essential for anyone tracking Texas local governance, transparency, housing policy, or AI in public accountability. Visit localinsights.ai (or follow @CJBlain10 on X) for more. Subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify for Texas Talks. 00:00:00 - Welcome to Texas Talks 00:00:06 - Guest Intro: Charles Blain – Writer, Commentator & Founder of Local Insights 00:00:51 - Meeting in Person After Years of Online Collaboration 00:01:36 - Charles’s Background: Houston Chronicle, City Journal, Fox 26, Forthcoming Book 00:02:19 - Origin of Local Insights: Accidental AI Use on Houston Metro Contract 00:03:45 - Metro Scandal Breakdown: $215k → $4.2M Contract & Board Chair Conflict 00:05:30 - How AI Flagged Issues & Led to Contract Cancellation 00:06:26 - Building Tools: From Templates to Civic Data Platform 00:07:23 - Hermann Park / Ben Taub Eminent Domain Dashboard Example 00:08:06 - Civic Engagement Mission: Leveling the Field for Citizens 00:09:35 - Who It’s For: Citizens, Journalists, Busy People Seeking Transparency 00:10:23 - Presentation to Water Board Directors & Early Demand 00:11:41 - Special Purpose Districts, Water Districts & Citizen Tools 00:12:51 - Full Platform: Every Texas Local Government Data (Budgets, Bonds, Agendas, Campaign Finance) 00:13:40 - Cross-Referencing: TDCJ, Campaign Finance, Property Records, Business Ownership 00:15:19 - Agenda Interrogation, Alerts & Jurisdiction Comparisons 00:17:11 - State-Level Data (Contracts, Legislative, Open Records) 00:18:13 - Public Information Act Tools: Collaboration, Filing Help & Trends 00:19:51 - Disappointing Need for This Tool + Future of Civic Transparency 00:21:22 - Educational Library: Government Basics (Strong/Weak Mayor, Charters, CAFRs) 00:22:51 - Property Taxes Confusion at Council Meetings & Clear Visuals 00:24:40 - Building Connections: Why Votes Happen, Potential Anomalies 00:26:34 - State Policy Ideas: Standardization, Deeper Transparency Mandates 00:27:35 - Jail Data, Court Filings & Missing Details Across Counties 00:29:02 - Personal Financial Statements & Persistent Denial Issues 00:30:31 - Who Uses It: Busy Citizens, Journalists, Activists 00:31:47 - Urgency: Local Accountability Drives Bigger Change 00:32:26 - Housing & Institutional Investors: Critique of Ban Proposals 00:33:47 - Mom-and-Pop vs. Mega Investors & Affordability Realities 00:35:21 - State Fixes: Property Tax Relief, First-Time Buyer Incentives 00:36:57 - Permitting Reform & Standardization as Key to Affordability 00:39:56 - AI in Permitting, Protests & Exemption Tracking 00:41:51 - Closing Thanks & Plugs: @CJBlain10 on Social Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

43 min
MAR 19

Educating Tomorrow’s Texas: From Classrooms to Careers w/Mike Morath & Mary Lynn Pruneda (Future of Texas)

Brad Swail sits down with Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath and Mary Lynn Pruneda (Texas 2036 Director of Education & Workforce Policy) for a forward-looking conversation on the future of Texas public education. They discuss post-COVID recovery (literacy at all-time highs, math still climbing), the game-changing Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) shifting to performance-based pay and creating more six-figure teacher salaries, the role of timeless classics vs. accelerating technology (robots, AI, tablets), parental guidance on AI/ChatGPT risks, Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) growth and school choice diversity, A-F accountability rigor increases, why leadership matters more than funding alone, extended learning time incentives, and the key metrics Texas 2036 is tracking—on-grade reading/math proficiency and career readiness—for Texas to thrive by its 2036 bicentennial. Perfect for parents, educators, policymakers, and anyone tracking Texas schools. Visit texas2036.org for progress tracking. Subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify for the Future of Texas series. 00:00:08 - Welcome & Series Intro: Future of Texas Education 00:00:33 - Guest Introductions: Commissioner Mike Morath & Mary Lynn Pruneda 00:01:07 - Why They're Optimistic About Texas Education's Future 00:03:01 - Where Texas Stands Today: Post-COVID Literacy & Math Recovery 00:05:03 - Biggest Reform to Celebrate: Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) 00:06:31 - How TIA Works: Merit Pay, Six-Figure Salaries & Projected Growth 00:08:45 - Education in 2036: Technology Acceleration & Enduring Fundamentals 00:09:50 - Robots, AI & the Chinese Boomi Example 00:11:14 - Why Classics & Timeless Wisdom Still Matter Most 00:13:51 - Smart Use of Tech Tools vs. Replacing Good Teaching 00:15:46 - Math & Science as Immutable Foundations 00:17:56 - AI/ChatGPT in Schools: Opportunities & Parental Risks 00:20:13 - Controlled Tech Access & Building Discernment 00:23:10 - Intentionality: Avoiding "Shiny" Tech Distractions 00:25:06 - Education Savings Accounts (ESAs): Early Demand & Future Growth 00:27:02 - School Choice, Competition & Diversity of Options 00:29:33 - Accountability: A-F Ratings, Rigor Increases & Interventions 00:33:22 - Funding vs. Leadership: Why Management Choices Matter More 00:36:12 - Extended Learning Time Incentives & Global Comparisons 00:38:19 - Texas 2036 Tracking: On-Grade Reading/Math & Career Readiness 00:39:12 - Recruiting, Supporting & Retaining Great Teachers by 2036 00:41:21 - Closing Thoughts & Call to Action: texas2036.org Through the Future of Texas podcast series, Texas 2036 brings together diverse perspectives as we explore the opportunities and challenges facing our state over the next ten years. The views expressed in this program are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Texas 2036, its staff or its Board of Directors. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

42 min
MAR 12

Property Taxes, the Texas Liberty Compact, and the Fight for Real Reform w/Jeramy Kitchen

After the 2026 primaries delivered a fresh wave of “new blood” in the Legislature, will property taxes finally get crushed… or will the same old insider games continue? In this hard-hitting episode of Texas Talks, host Brad Swail sits down with Jeramy Kitchen, President of Texas Policy Research and the driving force behind the brand-new Texas Liberty Compact. Jeramy breaks down exactly what the primary results mean for the 90th Legislature, why compression beats gimmick exemptions, how to finally kill taxpayer-funded lobbying, and the 10 structural reforms that could reshape Texas for a generation. If you’re tired of skyrocketing property taxes, backroom deals, and government bloat — this is the episode you’ve been waiting for. What you’ll learn: • Why “new blood” in Austin is both exciting and risky • The REAL difference between homestead exemptions and true compression • How the Texas Liberty Compact turns voter frustration into lasting reform • The next big fights: data centers, regulatory overreach, and budget transparency. 00:00 — Welcome and Jeramy Kitchen introduction 02:25 — 2026 primary results: mixed bag or game changer? 05:06 — Why “new blood” in the legislature matters 06:58 — Property tax reform and what could happen in 2027 08:44 — Compression explained and why it’s the most equitable fix 17:01 — The Texas Liberty Compact and its 10 policy planks 19:01 — Ending taxpayer-funded lobbying 22:48 — Limiting local spending and debt and stronger voter approval 28:34 — Making government transparent and understanding the budget 37:55 — Big policy fights ahead: data centers and regulation 41:07 — Closing thoughts and how Texans can get involved If you want honest, no-spin analysis of what’s coming to Austin next year, hit PLAY, smash that LIKE, and drop a comment: “What’s YOUR #1 issue for the 90th Legislature?” Subscribe for more unfiltered Texas policy deep-dives every week! Visit Texas Policy Research: https://www.texaspolicyresearch.com Read the full Texas Liberty Compact: https://texaslibertycompact.com Follow Jeramy: https://x.com/JeramyKitchen Turn on notifications — the 90th Legislature is coming fast, and this episode gives you the inside track! Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

42 min

5

out of 5

2 Ratings

Texas Talks with Brad Swail is a weekly podcast that features wide-ranging discussions with the people, organizations, and businesses that shape public policy in Texas. Texas Talks aims to provide listeners with a deeper understanding of the policy debates and reasons and insight into the personalities that shape public policy in Texas.

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Texas Talks
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