State
Pro-Amnesty Group Returns, Endorses Republican Candidates in Texas
The LIBRE Initiative is once again wading into Texas races.
Audit: “Unsatisfactory” and “High Risk” Issues Found in State Anti-Trafficking Unit
The agency unit tasked with fighting human trafficking was in such disarray that it appears to have been disbanded.
Grassroots Fight Back Against Debt-Raising Constitutional Amendment
A lawsuit alleges misleading ballot language for a constitutional amendment authorizing additional debt.
Candidates Debate Ahead of Special Election Runoff in East Texas
The special election is slated to take place on January 30.
State Archive
Abbott Announces Fiscal Reforms
Earlier today, Texas Attorney General and Republican candidate for governor Greg Abbott announced a comprehensive set of policy reforms designed to limit the growth of government, protect taxpayers and thereby free the state's economy for all Texans. The meaty reforms...
Recommendations: Texas Constitutional Amendments
Nine amendments will be up for consideration by Texans when early voting starts on Monday. Here we offer our recommendations on each of the propositions. Also copied below is the "pro" and "con" write-up created by the Texas Legislature's House Research Organization....
Fake Requester
If imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, then what is it called when someone impersonates you or your organization? Probably nothing good. We learned this week someone is falsely presenting themselves as a Texans for Fiscal Responsibility operative in...
Get Two Free Tickets to a UT, A&M, or Texas Tech Game*
*Must run for office and win to participate. Note: This post has been updated to include a series of "Best Of" documents highlighting some of the more interesting documents found by Empower Texans. In light of the recent scandals surrounding politicians and our...
Dropping Fs
[UPDATED AT END WITH NEW DROP-OUTS.] Another “F” has dropped out of the Texas House with the announcement that State Rep. Rob Orr (R-Burleson) won’t be seeking re-election. He joins a growing list of low-rated lawmakers opting to get out rather than face stiff...
2013’s Biggest Disappointments
We’ve compared the scores of all incumbents in the 83rd Legislature compared what they scored in the 82nd session for taxpayers to see just who let them down the most. You’ll notice several of this session’s biggest drops in the House were members who received praise...
Culture of Clout-Abuse?
In less than 24 hours Texans heard the voice of our lieutenant governor trying to get his “step-niece-in-law” out of jail, and read the words of a powerful House committee chairman all-but admitting he used his influence to get his son into law school. Frankly, Lt....
Remembering Who Supported Medicaid Expansion
A recent trip to Texas by U.S. Health and Human Services Commissioner Kathleen Sebelius has prompted proponents of ObamaCare to beat a dead horse regarding Medicaid expansion. Remember, the Legislature issued a resounding “NO!” to the Obama administration this session...
Hilderbran for Comptroller?
Straus-appointed Ways and Means Chairman Harvey Hilderbran has officially thrown his name into the race for Texas Comptroller. What exactly should taxpayers expect if he’s elected as the chief steward of the state’s finances? You may recall earlier this session where...