Taxpayer-funded lobbying is a common practice in which “[local] governmental entities spend public money to hire registered lobbyists to advocate for and against specific legislative proposals. These progovernment advocacy efforts are routinely at odds with private citizens’ liberties and finances” (Quintero & Welton, 2023, p. 2). It is estimated that political subdivisions spent as much as $75 million contracting with lobbyists to advocate for larger budgets, more taxing authority, and greater regulatory control Quintero & Welton, 2023, p. 1) Several members of the 89th Texas Legislature have made it a top priority to end the practice of taxpayer funded lobbying this year.
Higher Taxes on the Horizon: City of Kemp
Many city, county, and school district officials are right now deciding where to set tax rates for the next fiscal year. In some cases, these local decisions will push property taxes higher, creating new challenges for families struggling with affordability. Given the very real prospect of tax hikes on the horizon, now is the time...