Economy and Labor, Taxes, Education, and Texas Government

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to the economy, labor issues, taxes, education policy, and Texas government structure based on the provided lecture notes.

What were the conditions for workers after WWII?

Higher wages, strong unions, incomes doubled.

How did the economy shift after the 1970s?

From manufacturing to a high-skill service economy.

What is unionization?

Formation of labor unions that lead to higher wages and benefits.

What is service sector inequality?

Pay depends on job type (low-skill vs high-skill jobs).

What is the difference between productivity and compensation?

Productivity can rise faster than wages.

What was the economy like before the 1930s?

Laissez-faire with minimal government involvement.

What causes income inequality?

Tax policy and economic conditions.

When were marginal tax rates historically highest?

Marginal tax rates stayed high until the 1960s.

Do tax cuts for top earners directly cause middle-class stagnation?

No.

What are anti-poverty programs?

Programs like childcare, cash aid, and universal healthcare.

What is public assistance?

Need-based assistance like Medicaid and TANF.

What is the Earned Income Tax Credit?

A program that lifts many people out of poverty.

What is the poverty line?

Cost of food multiplied by 3.

What is the Elementary & Secondary Education Act?

A federal law providing school funding.

What do states regulate?

Insurance, jobs, labor laws.

What is the Texas Enterprise Fund?

A program that provides incentives to businesses.

What is Texas deregulation?

Fewer licensing requirements.

Give an example of Texas deregulation.

Reducing hair braiding requirements to no license in general.

What is eminent domain reform (SB 18)?

Law placing stricter limits on government property seizure.

What happened to school funding in Texas?

School funding declined, leading to higher property taxes.

What is the Texas Education Agency?

Agency that oversees schools.

How are Texas courts viewed?

Pro-business.

What are Texas gun laws like?

Not especially strict.

Are abortion travel bans enacted in Texas?

Not enacted.

What is the Permanent University Fund?

A fund supporting only UT and Texas A&M.

What is a lawful permanent resident?

A green card holder.

What are budget earmarks?

Funds restricted to specific uses.

What does the Higher Education Coordinating Board do?

Oversees core curriculum requirements.

Who is the fastest-growing voting group?

Latinos.

How do LGBTQ protections work in Texas?

Vary by city; no statewide law.