The Arena

The global COVID-19 pandemic has brought a myriad of challenges that have permeated every vestibule of life, causing us to reevaluate things that were previously taken for granted: everything from navigating education for our kids, toilet paper shortages, or working-from-home. This pandemic has turned things upside-down. It has also caused many to question the legitimate extent of the governor’s power to declare emergencies or disasters and to impose mandates and modify regulations during those times.

Currently, there is no legislative oversight needed to make a declaration of disaster or emergency. According to the Texas Disaster Act, the governor has authority to issue executive orders, proclamations, and regulations and amend or rescind them as he sees fit. While this ability certainly has served a purpose in the past and will remain a critical function of the executive in the future, the lockdowns mandated in response to the pandemic have sent a clear signal that the power of the executive may need some checks and balances. We are, after all, a free people not meant to be ruled by decree.

HJR 421  by Rep. Toth proposes a ...

The COVID-19 pandemic, and the government’s disastrous response which has put the brakes on what was likely the greatest economy the world has ever known, has wreaked havoc around the world and across the United States. Texas has not been spared. Now more than ever, Texas needs to pull out all the stops to reopen the economy and let people get back to work. Conveniently, the Texas Legislature is now in session and fully empowered to do just that.

For a state that charts its own path and refuses to be bossed around, Texas has failed at keeping the marketplace open and free for those wanting to earn an honest living. Ranking among the top five most regulated states in the nation, Texas has over 263,000 regulatory restrictions currently in place.

Considering the occupations regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), it may appear that threats to your personal safety come in very nondescript and unassuming ways.  But fear not, the government will protect you! If the government didn’t tell us, how else would we know our lives are endangered by the dietitian, hearing aid fitter, or ...