STOP TAXPAYER-FUNDED LOBBYING
MISSION:
Taxpayer funded lobbying (TFL) is a practice where local governments use taxpayer funds to lobby the state for more government. Stopping this expensive and unpopular practice would bring greater transparency and accountability to taxpayers. The Texas legislature has an opportunity to stop the practice of TFL and restore citizens’ unfettered access to their elected officials.
FOCUS:
TFL does not represent the interests of taxpayers. In fact, only 7% of Texans support this practice. Yet, local governments continue using taxpayer dollars to lobby against popular reforms like education freedom. Despite growing public opposition, spending on TFL has surged – from $75 million in 2021 to $98.6 million in 2023 – fueling higher government costs and rising property taxes. We need to stop Ch. 305 lobbyists and associations that hire them from engaging in this abuse. This change would not limit direct communication between state leaders and local officials.