The practice of taxpayer-funded lobbying in Texas has been a controversial one, especially the last few sessions. Taxpayer dollars have been used by local governments to send lobbyists to Austin to then put pressure on politicians to vote how their interests want them to vote. It has become an out-of-control practice in the legislature that many have been pushing to end.
It is not just lawmakers who oppose it. A survey from 2019 shows that 88 percent of Texans are against the idea. Well, rejoice 88 percent, there is now new life to try and kill the idea coming in 2025. A new bill has been filed to try and bring an end to the practice, the first time it has been pushed for since 2019.
Back five years ago, the bill made progress in the Senate, but when it was brought to the House floor, it was shot down. But with a fresh Conservative bunch in Austin, the hope to get it cross the finish line this time is much higher.
Brandon Waltens of Texas Scorecard says so many people are against this now because of how untethered it has become.
"One of the most egregious examples has been when they have discussed property tax relief...you have local governments using tax dollars to then argue against tax relief," he says.
The newest version of the bill to try and break down the practice was filed last week by State Sen. Mayes Middleton of Galveston, a longtime advocate against it. The new Senate Bill 239 would then prohibit public funds from being used to hire lobbyists.
But why has there not been more support to get rid of it? Well, because people's pockets are filled from it. A recent study by the Huffines Liberty Foundation showed that local government entities spent $75 million on registered lobbyists in 2021.
"It is a very lucrative business, there is a lot of taxpayer funded lobbyists that sit there the entire session and pressure lawmakers," he says.
The bill, as mentioned, faces a challenge, because you can never underestimate the power of lobbyists. But if lawmakers can shake off the elephant off their back, the taxpayer-funded lobbying will be a thing of the past.
The next Texas Legislative Session begins in Spring 2025.