Taxpayer-funded lobbying happens when government entities—cities, counties, school districts, and special districts—use taxpayer money to hire lobbyists or pay dues to associations that lobby lawmakers. In plain terms, it’s government lobbying other government,...
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Commentary
Quorum Break, Vice-Chairs, and the Cost to Taxpayers
The Standstill In a display of political obstructionism, over 50 Texas House Democrats fled Austin on August 3, 2025, breaking quorum and paralyzing the chamber during Governor Greg Abbott's first-called special session. As of August 12, 2025, the standoff has...
Special Session Update: Where Things Stand
As the Texas Legislature's first special session of 2025 surpasses its halfway mark, several efforts are underway to address key taxpayer issues, though progress is hampered by the ongoing lack of quorum in the House. Governor Greg Abbott called this 30-day session to...
Will the Texas Legislature Provide Meaningful Property Tax Relief This Summer?
A Review of Legislation in the 1st Called Special Session Executive Summary Texas’ property tax system is broken. And so is the method of property tax relief Texas politicians have been touting to voters over the last seven years. Despite spending at least $35 billion...
SB9 May Slow Property Tax Growth, But It Won’t Deliver Real Relief
As part of the first 30-day special session of 2025, property tax relief is once again on the agenda—and rightly so. Texans continue to struggle under the weight of one of the highest property tax burdens in the nation. Governor Abbott’s call for the special session...
Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying: Texas Senate Faces Redemption Moment with SB 12 Votes
The Texas Senate is set to deliberate and vote on Senate Bill 12 (SB 12) during the current special session, a pivotal measure introduced by State Senator Mayes Middleton (R-Galveston) to ban taxpayer-funded lobbying by local governments. This bill follows Senate Bill...