TFR applauds the passage of SB 12, the bill to ban the unethical practice of taxpayer-funded lobbying, on second reading in the Texas Senate.

AUSTIN, TX — Texans for Fiscal Responsibility (TFR) is celebrating a major victory for Texas taxpayers as the Texas Senate has passed Senate Bill 12 on second reading, legislation that would end the practice of taxpayer-funded lobbying. Once finally passed by the Senate, TFR encourages the House to immediately prioritize hearing and passing SB 12.

This critical reform would stop local governments and other taxpayer-funded entities from using taxpayer dollars to hire lobbyists who often work against the interests of Texans..

TFR extends sincere gratitude to Governor Greg Abbott for answering the call of Texas taxpayers and adding a ban on taxpayer-funded lobbying to the agenda of this special legislative session. Without his leadership, this critical issue would not be receiving the attention it rightly deserves.

Senator Mayes Middleton, the bill’s author, deserves recognition for championing this long-overdue reform and carrying the legislation with tenacity and clarity of purpose. TFR also commends Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick for making SB 12 a priority in the Senate and ensuring it received a timely vote.

Texans for Fiscal Responsibility will continue to advocate for the end of this unethical practice and will be closely tracking the progress of SB 12 in the House in the coming days.

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Texans for Fiscal Responsibility is an independent, educational non-profit organization seeking to illuminate the actions of government, educate and equip citizens to effectively advocate for pro-taxpayer and pro-family reforms, and hold lawmakers accountable for their actions.