AUSTIN — Today, the Government Reform and Oversight Coalition (GROC) announced its initial slate of coalition partners, bringing together leading state and national organizations united behind one central reform: ending taxpayer-funded lobbying in Texas.

GROC was formed to confront persistent abuse in Texas government, the use of public dollars by cities, counties, school districts, and taxpayer-funded associations to hire lobbyists who work against property tax reform, spending limits, education accountability, and parental rights.

“Taxpayer-funded lobbying is one of the most corrosive practices in Texas government,” said Mandy Drogin, GROC Senior Fellow. “When government entities use public dollars to lobby against property tax reform, transparency, and accountability, they are weaponizing taxpayer money against taxpayers. Our coalition sends a clear message that this practice must end.”

GROC will expose a system built over decades by insiders that diverts billions of taxpayer dollars meant for classrooms into a network of taxpayer-funded lobbyists, vendors, consultants, associations, and political advocacy groups. This system thrives on government waste and complacency while enriching outside actors who profit from the status quo.

“GROC is bringing together organizations across Texas to expose the education cartel and ensure education dollars serve students, not lobbyists and special interests,” said Jose Melendez, GROC Campaign Director. “Taxpayer dollars are being funneled into a network that protects itself, grows government spending, and fights reforms that would put students and taxpayers first. GROC exists to expose that system and dismantle it.”

“Moms for Liberty-Texas has joined the Government Reform and Oversight Coalition (GROC) to restore accountability in Texas government and end the misuse of taxpayer dollars. We oppose TASB and the education establishment, which profit at the expense of parents and students while using public funds to hire lobbyists, block reforms, and resist school choice and family empowerment. Together with GROC, we advocate banning taxpayer-funded lobbying, dismantling this unaccountable system, and returning control to parents—not bureaucrats.”

The coalition will work ahead of the 2027 Texas Legislative Session to educate lawmakers, mobilize grassroots supporters, and advance legislation.

GROC Founding Coalition Partners
America First Policy Institute
America First Works
Grassroots America
Republican Party of Texas
Teacher Freedom Alliance
Freedom Foundation
Convention of States
Moms for America
Moms for Liberty-Texas
Texans for Reasonable Solutions
Texans for Fiscal Responsibility
Texas Eagle Forum
Texas Young Republicans
Texas Coalition of Republican Clubs
Goldwater Institute
Capital Area Conservative Republican Club
San Antonio Family Association