For far too long, Texas taxpayers have been forced to foot the bill for lobbyists who often work against their own interests. Taxpayer-funded lobbying by local governments is an unethical practice that drains public funds and undermines the will of the people. 

Senate Bill 19 (SB 19), recently filed in the Texas Senate by Sen. Mayes Middleton (R-Galveston), aims to slam the door shut on this extortive practice, delivering a win for hardworking Texans and a blow to the entrenched Austin Establishment. Co-authored by fellow Senate colleagues like Sens. Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston) and Bob Hall (R-Edgewood), SB 19 is a major step forward in restoring governmental accountability and putting taxpayers first.

SB 19 is straightforward and uncompromising, prohibiting political subdivisions like cities, counties, school districts, and other local entities from using public money to hire registered lobbyists or pay dues to associations that lobby on their behalf, such as the Texas Municipal League or Texas Association of Counties. No more “hired guns” jetting to Austin on the taxpayer’s dime to push agendas that more often than not clash with conservative priorities like property tax relief, school choice, or spending restraint. 

Notably, the bill does not stop local officials from advocating for their communities directly, it just cuts out the middleman, ensuring tax dollars stay where they belong: serving the public, not padding lobbyist paychecks.

This isn’t just about saving money; It’s about preserving a Republican form of government. Taxpayers shouldn’t be forced to bankroll efforts that undermine their values. As Sen. Middleton has pointed out, these lobbyists have historically fought against election integrity and even a ban on state income taxes, positions that fly in the face of what most Texans want.

SB 19 would put an end to this corruption, empowering citizens over special interests.

Sen. Mayes Middleton, the bill’s primary author, has made banning taxpayer-funded lobbying a cornerstone of his tenure. A fierce advocate for limited government, Middleton’s track record speaks for itself; he’s consistently pushed to rein in wasteful spending and protect taxpayer dollars.

The battle to end taxpayer-funded lobbying in Texas is not new, rather it’s a saga of persistence against a stubborn establishment. Back in the 85th Legislature (2017), local governments spent over $40 million on lobbyists, a figure that ballooned to an incredible $75 million by 2021. That’s millions of dollars diverted from roads, schools, and public safety to influence lawmakers, most often against taxpayer-friendly reforms. Past efforts to stop this, like Sen. Hall’s SB 29 in 2019 and SB 10 in 2021 by Sen. Bettencourt passed the Senate with strong support but were gutted or killed in the House by a coalition of Democrats and moderate Republicans beholden to local government interests.

The 2023 session saw Middleton’s SB 175 sail through the Senate by a 19-12 vote, only to stall in the House under then-Speaker Dade Phelan’s leadership. Each time, the grassroots roared louder, with polls showing that nearly 90% of Texans oppose this practice, and in 2020, 95% of Republican primary voters backed a ban via a ballot proposition. Yet, the Austin swamp has clung to its privilege, with House insiders cutting deals to protect the status quo. Now, with Dustin Burrows as Speaker, a man who secured his gavel with Democrat votes, the fight faces fresh hurdles. Although Speaker Burrows has indicated his support for passing a ban this session, it remains to be seen if progress will be made. 

SB 19 isn’t just a bill; it’s a litmus test for the Texas Legislature. Will lawmakers honor the will of the people, or once again bend their knee to the lobbying machine that’s fleeced taxpayers for decades? 

For Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, the answer is clear: we stand resolute behind Senator Middleton, urging the Senate to pass SB 19 swiftly and calling on the House to  follow suit. 

Texas voters are watching, and they’re fed up. The $75 million spent in 2021 alone could have fixed potholes, funded classrooms, or stayed in taxpayers’ pockets. Instead, it went to lobbyists who often oppose the very reforms Texans demand. SB 19 is our chance to break this cycle, to declare that public funds serve the public, not the powerful. The grassroots momentum is stronger than ever, and with your support, we’ll hold every legislator accountable.

Subscribe to our newsletter and vote notices today to stay in the fight. Together, we’ll push SB 19 across the finish line and reclaim Texas for fiscal responsibility, one taxpayer dollar at a time.

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