The Right Idea

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 chair
06:02 - How Jill got involved in conservative activism and politics
10:02 - Evolution of Texas politics and the shift to a conservative stronghold
14:39 - Texas cultural resilience and the significance of the Alamo
21:03 - Recap of the 89th Legislature: Successes in school choice, energy, and AI
23:31 - Jill’s personal story on school choice and its impact on her son
30:03 - Energy policy: Nuclear power and securing Texas’ grid
33:59 - SB 1283: Protecting seniors in retirement communities
37:24 - Special session priorities: Women’s Privacy Act and ending STAAR testing
42:30 - Looking ahead to the 90th Legislature: Energy and emerging issues
45:11 - Water issues in Texas: Balancing rural and urban needs
46:40 - Gambling in Texas: Concerns about social and economic impacts
49:33 - Reforming Texas’ committee process for better legislative hearings
1:05:11 - The fight to end taxpayer-funded lobbying in Texas

Creators and Guests

Host
Brian Phillips
Brian Phillips is the Chief Communications Officer at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. For over a decade, Brian has helped policymakers and political candidates develop effective messages and communication strategies. Phillips is a veteran of presidential, congressional, and gubernatorial campaigns, and has extensive experience working in the United States Congress and public policy think tanks.
Host
Derek M. Cohen
Derek M. Cohen, Ph.D, is the Texas Public Policy Foundation's Chief Policy & Research Officer and Right on Crime Senior Fellow. Previously the Vice President of Policy and director of Right on Crime, the Foundation’s criminal justice reform initiative, Cohen was instrumental in the passage of the First Step Act, federal legislation that borrowed from successful changes to prisons and sentencing that he had helped pass in conservative states. In addition to leading the Foundation’s work on criminal justice, he is also the lead researcher of firearms policy.

What is The Right Idea?

The Right Idea: The Texas Public Policy Foundation's weekly look at the people, policy, and politics that drive Texas.