This week, Texas Rep. Mayes Middleton filed House Bill 749 and Senator Bob Hall filed Senate Bill 234,both of which propose to ban taxpayer-funded lobbying. The bills would prohibit political subdivisions from using public money to lobby.
“Governments are forcing taxpayers to pay for lobbyists whose job it is to advocate for more government,” said TPPF’s James Quintero. “This abusive practice costs Texans dearly, both financially and in terms of the quality of legislation passed or defeated every session. The next Texas Legislature must end taxpayer-funded lobbying for the sake of prosperity and posterity.
“House Bill 749 and Senate Bill 234 stop local governments from spending public money on well-heeled lobbyists and those that employ them. These bills promise welcome change that will protect taxpayers, promote conservative governance, and prevent the continued California-zation of Texas.