Texas lawmakers once again failed to ban taxpayer-funded lobbying, despite state taxpayers footing a $94.5 million bill for 2025.
Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying
Harris County Taxpayer-Funded Entities Spend Millions on Lobbying
According to records from Transparency USA and OpenSecrets, Harris County has spent at least $3.3 million lobbying since 2023.
House Leadership Blocking Ban on Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying, Says Texas Lawmaker
State Rep. Brent Money says State Affairs Committee Chair Ken King won’t give the legislation a hearing.
Republican Lawmakers Challenge Speaker Burrows Over Stalled Party Priorities
State Reps. Andy Hopper and Brent Money attempted to force votes on E-Verify and a taxpayer-funded lobbying ban, but were shut down by Speaker Dustin Burrows.
Ban on Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying Weakened in Texas Senate
7 Republicans joined Democrats in amending the legislation to allow taxpayer-funded lobbying organizations to continue hiring full-time lobbyists.
Texas Lawmaker Grills School Board Association on Lobbying, Parental Rights, and DEI
Tony Tinderholt pointed out that TASB previously included DEI in its mission statement and accused the organization of using taxpayer money to promote left-leaning policies in Texas schools.
Taxpayer-funded Lobbying Org Pays Massive Salaries
Many employees of the Texas Association of School Boards are earning more than the governor of Texas.
Could Fourth Time Be the Charm for Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying Ban?
The Senate State Affairs Committee heard testimony for a proposed ban on the practice, which has passed the Senate three times previously.
$113K Funneled Into Legislator’s Pocket Via Taxpayer-funded Lobbying Payouts?
Democrat State Rep. Mary Gonzalez is the executive director of the School Board Members for Latino Equity, which is reportedly funded with taxpayer dollars from the Texas Association of School Boards.
State Sen. Middleton Files Measure to Ban Taxpayer-funded Lobbying
Ending the practice is one of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s top priorities for the 89th legislative session.