Today, TPPF’s Government Reform & Oversight Coalition released a new research paper focusing on its top priority, ending taxpayer-funded lobbying. The report, “When Government Lobbies Itself: Why Texas Should Ban Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying,” provides one of the most comprehensive, bill-level analyses to date of how taxpayer-funded lobbying operates in Texas and its growing impact on the legislative process.
The research finds that taxpayer-funded lobbying has expanded significantly in recent years, with spending reaching as much as $111.5 million during the 89th Legislative Session, more than doubling since the 85th Legislature.
By analyzing lobbying registrations, legislative testimony, and bill outcomes across multiple sessions, the study reveals that government entities routinely use public funds to influence legislation, often in opposition to reforms aimed at lowering taxes, limiting spending, or increasing accountability.
“Taxpayers shouldn’t be forced to fund lobbying efforts that work against their own interests,” said Jose Melendez, GROC Campaign Director. “This research confirms what many Texans already suspect: government entities are weaponizing taxpayer dollars to protect and expand their own power, often at the expense of the people they’re supposed to serve.”
The study also finds that taxpayer-funded lobbying is not limited to fiscal issues, but extends into highly controversial policy debates, including social matters, demonstrating the broad scope of influence exercised using public funds.
“This is not just about how much is being spent, it’s about how taxpayer-funded lobbying is shaping policy outcomes across Texas,” said Ben Crockett, GROC Policy Scholar and author of the report. “Our findings show that this practice is widespread, growing, and often deployed to resist reforms that would benefit taxpayers.”
The release of this report comes as momentum continues to build in Texas to prohibit taxpayer-funded lobbying, with multiple reform proposals introduced in recent legislative sessions.
Read the full research paper here.
Watch our Parent Empowerment episode on taxpayer-funded lobbying.