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TCCRI was founded in 1996 by conservative leaders determined to implement conservative public policies in state government. TCCRI has distinguished itself as a leading state-based think tank and has been very successful in living up to its mission of shaping public policy through a principled approach to government. Its research reports, Task Forces, and policy summits have been instrumental in generating proposals that are shaping Texas government and influencing a new generation of conservative leadership.


Education policy centered on parental choice is a proven reform that has never been more popular. Greater choices in education should be a priority for the Texas Legislature, yet it remains a divisive issue. TCCRI is proud to release a new report that lays out the case for education choice in Texas. It details the existing body of literature on choice programs around the country, responds to the loudest arguments against choice, and exposes the myriad false and disingenuous arguments against choice programs.
Outstanding Opportunities: The Case for Education Choice in the Lone Star State, contains several sections that either debunk arguments made by choice opponents or highlight how choice opponents misrepresent information. Below are four excerpts from the Report to that effect.
On March 22nd of this year, TCCRI President Larry Taylor testified in support of SB 8. Supported by TCCRI’s policy paper Outstanding Opportunities: The Case for Education Choice in the Lone Star State, Senator Taylor’s testimony highlighted how SB 8 will give parents a greater role in their children’s education across the state.
TCCRI RELEASES A NEW WHITE PAPER ON CANCER TESTING
A key ingredient in improving health care is harnessing the power of technological advances. Multi-cancer early detection (MCED) is an example of an innovation that could have transformative effects in the health care area. MCED allows caregivers to test blood drawn from an asymptomatic patient for biological signals that suggest the presence of cancer in the patient. If the test indicates such a signal, caregivers are able to provide the necessary follow-up treatment.
Currently, there are recommended screening protocols for only five cancer types (breast, cervical, prostate, lung, and colorectal), and the specific screening method depends on which of these cancer types a patient is being tested for. If a person has the misfortune of suffering from a cancer for which there is not a recommended screening test, the cancer is often diagnosed too late to save the person. More than half of the 600,000 annual cancer deaths in this country are attributable to such cancers.
MCED can detect cancer earlier compared to current practice, and it can also test for the presence of dozens of cancer types- all based on a single blood draw. When cancer is treated at earlier stages, treatment is less expensive and the patient survival rate is higher. MCED has the potential to save billions of dollars in treatment cost annually ($26 billion by one estimate), and more importantly, thousands of lives. Given the rapid aging of the U.S. population and the link between cancer and age, the human and fiscal stakes in battling cancer will only increase in the coming years.
The Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act has been introduced in Congress to allow the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid to cover MCED testing for Medicare beneficiaries. The bill has strong bipartisan support in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Utilizing innovation that can save lives and reduce treatment costs should be a goal that Democrats and Republicans around the country can agree on.

TCCRI is cultivating the next generation of conservative leaders through the Clements Legislative Study Program. TCCRI is proud to present the largest class in the program's history.

Commentary and opinion from TCCRI's Policy Experts
Deep Dives into Public Policy Issues Facing Texas

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TCCRI is a non-profit educational charity, exempt from federal taxation under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Individual, corporate, foundation and PAC contributions are accepted. Individual, corporate, and foundation contributions to TCCRI may be tax-deductible. Please check with your tax advisor.