Following revelations that Texas taxpayers have been footing the bill for subscriptions and advertisements in media outlets like Politico, legislation has been filed to prevent state agencies from using public funds to support news organizations.
House Bills 2599 and 2600, both filed by State Rep. Briscoe Cain (R–Deer Park), aim to curb state-funded media subsidies.
HB 2599 specifically prohibits agencies from using appropriated money to advertise in or donate to statewide periodicals or internet news websites that rely on ad revenue or memberships.
Meanwhile, HB 2600 goes even further, barring state agencies—including the legislature—from purchasing periodicals or financially supporting any news media. The bill makes exceptions for certain institutions, such as libraries and museums, and allows legislators to buy a single subscription to publications in their districts.
“I filed House Bills 2599 and 2600 to prevent taxpayer dollars from funding woke ‘news’ websites that contribute to the Austin swamp,” Cain told Texas Scorecard. “When the media receives hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxpayer funds, it raises questions about their credibility and bias.”
The recent push for these reforms comes after a Texas Scorecard investigation exposed how multiple state agencies spent tax dollars on media subscriptions and advertisements to leftwing media outlets. If passed, the move would help send a clear message: taxpayers shouldn’t be forced to fund media outlets that may not align with their values.
