On July 9, Governor Greg Abbott announced a robust agenda for a special session of the 89th Texas Legislature, set to convene on July 21. The agenda, detailed in a proclamation, includes a range of priorities that resonate strongly with the pro-taxpayer and pro-family reforms championed by Texans for Fiscal Responsibility (TFR).
Among the standout items are measures to curb property tax burdens, impose spending limits on local governments, prohibit taxpayer-funded lobbying, and strengthen election integrity.
The prohibition of taxpayer-funded lobbying is a cornerstone of the agenda. Governor Abbott’s proclamation calls for legislation to prevent local governments from using tax dollars to hire lobbyists or fund associations that lobby the Legislature. This practice has long been a point of contention for fiscal conservatives. Fundamentally, the practice forces taxpayers to subsidize advocacy that often works against their interests. By closing this loophole, the state can ensure that public funds serve public needs, not political agendas.
Equally significant is the focus on property tax relief and spending limits. The proclamation includes legislation to reduce the property tax burden on Texans and impose spending caps on entities authorized to impose taxes. For years, skyrocketing property taxes have strained Texas homeowners, with many being taxed out of their homes or businesses.
TFR has consistently called for long-term reform over temporary fixes, and the governor’s agenda reflects this urgency. By tying tax relief to spending constraints, the agenda aims to foster fiscal discipline, ensuring that local governments prioritize essential services without unchecked tax hikes, and so that relief provided by the legislature can actually have the effect it is intended to have.
Election integrity is addressed through a proposed constitutional amendment allowing the Texas Attorney General to prosecute state election crimes. This measure seeks to close loopholes that have undermined confidence in Texas elections. By empowering the Attorney General to enforce election laws, the state can deter fraud and ensure accountability, reinforcing trust in the democratic process.
Beyond these taxpayer-focused reforms, the agenda tackles other issues, including disaster preparedness, education reform, and public safety. Legislation to improve early warning systems, strengthen emergency communications, and streamline recovery rules aims to bolster Texas’ resilience against natural disasters, such as the storms and flooding that struck in early July. The elimination of the STAAR test, replaced with tools to better assess student progress, signals a shift toward practical education reform.
The special session represents a pivotal opportunity to advance a fiscally conservative vision.
TFR urges lawmakers to act decisively, and encourages taxpayers across the State to stay engaged.
As the July 21 session approaches, all eyes will be on the Legislature to deliver on these promises, ensuring that Texas remains a beacon of limited government and taxpayer empowerment.
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