Since the mid-1960s, the U.S. has spent an estimated $25 trillion (adjusted for inflation) on more than 80 federal safety-net programs—with too many disappointing results. These programs have become rife with improper spending, complicated eligibility criteria, and excessive administrative bloat that ensnare recipients into dependence on government. The Foundation recommends the enactment of “Empowerment Accounts” (EAs) to replace some if not all traditional safety-net programs whereby a recipient manages (under the supervision of a community navigator) an account with state funds available for increased flexibility to purchase basic necessities along with improvements to help recipients achieve long-term self-sufficiency.
Local Government
Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying
FACT SHEET: Understanding Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying Taxpayer-funded lobbying (TFL) is a complex and unfortunate feature of state and local governance. While lobbying is typically associated with private interest groups attempting to influence government decisions, taxpayer-funded lobbying flips this model: it involves government entities themselves using public funds to influence legislative outcomes. The Texas Public Policy Foundation’s...
May 1, 2026