Exposing the truth about taxpayer-funded lobbying in Texas. In this episode of Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin, Mandy sits down with TPPF policy scholar Ben Crockett to uncover how millions of taxpayer dollars are being funneled to lobbying organizations, activist nonprofits, political advocacy groups, and special interests that many Texans never intended to fund.
The discussion explores how local governments use public money to finance organizations that lobby elected officials, influence legislation, engage in political activism, and advocate for policies that many taxpayers oppose. Mandy and Ben examine examples from major Texas cities, discuss the growing role of nonprofit organizations in local government spending, and explain why banning taxpayer-funded lobbying has become a top priority for government transparency and accountability advocates.
In this episode:
What taxpayer-funded lobbying is and how it works
Why Texas taxpayers are paying governments to lobby other governments
Local government grants to activist organizations
The connection between lobbying, political action committees (PACs), and taxpayer dollars
Why advocates say government should focus on core services instead of political activism
Policy solutions to improve transparency and reduce government waste
If you care about property taxes, government accountability, transparency, limited government, and protecting Texas taxpayers, this episode breaks down one of the most controversial issues facing the Texas Legislature.