Podcast Summary: Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey – Ep 1155 | Debunking the Biggest School Choice Lies | Guest: Ron Simmons

Release Date: March 12, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 1155 of Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey, host Allie Beth Stuckey engages in a profound conversation with her father, Ron Simmons, tackling pressing issues surrounding the economy, government funding, tariffs, and the highly debated topic of school choice. Recorded shortly before the episode's release, the discussion provides listeners with insightful perspectives from a seasoned conservative viewpoint.

Economic Overview

Stock Market Insights

Ron Simmons, an experienced investor and author, delves into the current state of the stock market, addressing widespread anxieties about potential crashes.

• Understanding Market Indices: Ron explains the primary stock market indices—the Dow Jones Industrial Average, NASDAQ, and S&P 500—and their roles in reflecting the broader economic health.

  • "The S&P 500 has been the best performing investment for the last 75 to 80 years." [05:11]

• Market Overreactions: He emphasizes that the stock market often overreacts to both positive and negative news, urging investors to remain calm and avoid rash decisions.

  • "If you try to sell into this market, you're going to get whipsawed." [06:00]

• Long-Term Investment Strategy: Ron advises against short-term investments and highlights the importance of staying invested for long-term gains.

  • "The S&P 500 has been the best performing investments for the last 75 to 80 years. So you just stay calm in that." [07:52]

Tariffs and Trade War

The discussion transitions to international trade tensions, focusing on recent tariff implementations by China and the broader implications for the U.S. economy.

• Impact of Tariffs: Ron clarifies that many of the anticipated tariffs have been paused, minimizing their immediate effect on the economy.

  • "None of those tariffs have actually gone into effect and heard anything yet." [12:10]

• Reciprocal Tariffs: He explains the concept of reciprocal tariffs and how they are intended to protect American industries by making imported goods more expensive.

  • "If you don't tariff us, we're not going to tariff you. But if you tariff us, we're going to tariff you." [15:15]

• Economic Predictions: Despite the ongoing trade tensions, Ron remains optimistic about the stock market's future, predicting growth by year's end.

  • "My prediction is, the stock market will be higher at the end of the year than it is today." [13:21]

Jobs Report and Economic Indicators

The conversation shifts to the latest jobs report, analyzing its impact on market perceptions and broader economic health.

• Jobs Report Analysis: Ron assesses the recent jobs data, interpreting it as insufficient to signal a significant economic downturn.

  • "I don't think that's enough to really make a difference." [17:03]

• Consumer Confidence and Mortgage Rates: Positive economic indicators, such as improved consumer assessments and declining mortgage rates, are highlighted as signs of economic resilience.

  • "I think that's good. We do need the Fed to lower the interest rates." [17:42]

• Stagflation Concerns: Addressing fears of stagflation, Ron dismisses them based on historical trends and the Federal Reserve's ability to manage economic variables.

  • "We haven't had stagflation since the 70s." [18:27]

Government Funding Update

Allie Beth provides an update on the Continued Resolution (CR) aimed at preventing a government shutdown, setting the stage for deeper analysis with Ron.

• Legislative Passages: The CR has passed the Senate along party lines, with notable dissent from one Democrat and Republican Thomas Massie.

  • "The legislation will fund the government if it passes the Senate through September 30th." [00:01]

• Funding Allocations: The CR boosts defense funding while imposing cuts on non-defense spending, ensuring continued government operations until the fiscal year's end.

  • "It boosts funds for defense programs, imposes cuts to non-defense spending." [00:01]

Tariffs and Trade Policies

Ron further elaborates on the nuances of recent trade policies, particularly tariffs imposed by China, and their broader economic implications.

• China's Tariffs on US Imports: He discusses China's recent tariffs on U.S. imports like chicken, wheat, and soybeans, framing them within the context of a larger adversarial relationship.

  • "China is a different story because they are actually an enemy in a lot of ways." [13:28]

• Economic Resilience: Ron reassures that domestic production can offset the impact of foreign tariffs, maintaining that the U.S. remains economically robust.

  • "We still produce most of the wheat that countries eat around the world." [13:35]

Debunking School Choice Myths

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to school choice legislation in Texas, with Ron Simmons providing a comprehensive analysis to counter prevalent misconceptions.

Texas School Choice Legislation

• Senate vs. House Bills: Ron outlines the differences between the Senate's SB2 and the House's HB3 bill, highlighting SB2's prioritization of funding for parents with special needs and low-income families.

  • "SB2 passed the Senate on February 5. The House bill, HB3, was proposed on February 20." [30:50]

• Funding Allocation: Emphasizing that only a fraction of public school funding is redirected, Ron clarifies that the majority remains intact, dispelling fears that public schools are being starved of funds.

  • "The total funding for each student in Texas is about $15,000. If you take the $6,200, $9,000 is left." [35:59]

Addressing Common Misconceptions

• Government Overreach: Ron counters the argument that school choice leads to government intrusion in private education, explaining that participation is entirely voluntary.

  • "If you don't want to take the money, you don't have to." [35:59]

• Impact on Tuition Costs: He addresses concerns about potential tuition hikes in private schools, attributing it to basic supply and demand dynamics rather than inherent flaws in the school choice system.

  • "If there's more demand for private schools now because there's more money available, that the supply is not there yet." [36:53]

National Implications

Ron underscores the significance of Texas passing school choice legislation, projecting its impact on national education policies by enabling nearly half of U.S. students to benefit from enhanced educational opportunities.

• "When this school choice passes, which it will pass in some form, that will mean that almost 50% of all of the students in the United States will have some type of school choice option." [30:50]

Critique of Representative Thomas Massie

The episode includes a critical examination of Representative Thomas Massie, focusing on his legislative record and political strategies.

• Legislative Achievements: Allie Beth presents data indicating that, as of March 11, 2025, Thomas Massie has not successfully passed any bills he sponsored since his tenure began in November 2012.

  • "As of March 11, 2025, Representative Thomas Massie has not successfully passed any bills he sponsored." [44:35]

• Opposition to COVID Relief: Massie's attempts to block the CARES Act and other COVID-related bills are discussed, showcasing his resistance to bipartisan relief efforts.

  • "Massey attempted to block its approval, which I appreciate, by the way." [45:56]

• Political Strategy and Public Perception: The conversation touches on former President Trump's criticisms of Massie, including threats of primary challenges, and Ron defends Massie's principles while questioning his effectiveness.

  • "He is merely making a point. But really, the way, if you want that, if you want that bill broken down to individual appropriation bills, you just gotta work out a deal." [25:48]

Personal Updates and Reflections

Ron Simmons' Recovery

Allie Beth shares a personal update on her father's health, revealing that Ron has successfully recovered from a significant surgery four weeks prior to the recording.

• Recovery Progress: Ron expresses gratitude for the support and prayers he received during his recovery, highlighting the importance of empathy developed through personal health challenges.
  • "Experiencing people praying for you really does mean a lot." [03:23]

Legacy and Advocacy

The father-daughter duo reflects on their shared commitment to advocacy, particularly in education and conservative policies, emphasizing the long-term impact of their efforts.

• School Choice Legacy: Ron discusses his history in the Texas Legislature, advocating for school choice, and expresses optimism about its eventual success despite current legislative hurdles.

  • "I've filed the bill in 2015 and 2017 for this. So if we get this through, this will be a big moment of celebration." [44:14]

• Book Promotion: Ron promotes his book, "Life Lessons from the Little Red Wagon," which offers guidance on maintaining composure during uncertain times.

  • "It makes sure that you don't overreact to something." [48:51]

Conclusion

Episode 1155 of Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey offers a thorough exploration of economic concerns, legislative actions, and the transformative potential of school choice. With Ron Simmons providing expert analysis and personal insights, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the complexities surrounding these critical issues from a conservative Christian perspective.

Notable Quotes:

• Ron Simmons on Stock Market Stability:

  • "The S&P 500 has been the best performing investments for the last 75 to 80 years." [05:11]

• On Tariffs and Reciprocity:

  • "If you don't tariff us, we're not going to tariff you. But if you tariff us, we're going to tariff you." [15:15]

• On School Choice Impact:

  • "When this school choice passes, which it will pass in some form, that will mean that almost 50% of all of the students in the United States will have some type of school choice option." [30:50]

• Critique of Thomas Massie:

  • "As of March 11, 2025, Representative Thomas Massie has not successfully passed any bills he sponsored." [44:35]

• Personal Reflection on Recovery:

  • "Experiencing people praying for you really does mean a lot." [03:23]

For more detailed discussions and additional insights, listeners are encouraged to tune into Episode 1155 of Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey on the Blaze Podcast Network.