Invited Testimony to the Select…

April 10, 2008

The Honorable Kathleen Hartnett White

Texas’ growing economy requires a growing supply of energy. This testimony examines how we can meet future energy demands while addressing federal clean air regulations and concerns about global warming.

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Restoring Private Property Rights: Regulatory Takings

Municipal regulations like zoning ordinances can infringe on private property rights and distort the housing market. Key points: Private property rights are under threat from municipal zoning ordinances and design mandates. Texas law has failed to adequately protect property owners from regulatory takings. By closing the municipal loophole, Texas can be the national leader in...

April 6, 2026

Local Government

When Government Lobbies Itself: Why Texas Should Ban Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying

Texas local governments use taxpayer dollars to hire lobbyists to influence state legislation—creating conflicts of interest, distorting democratic accountability, and undermining the interests of Texas taxpayers. Key points: Taxpayer-funded lobbying expenditures more than doubled from the 85th to the 89th Legislature, now reaching as high as $111.5 million. Taxpayer-funded lobbyists consistently opposed legislation involving property...

April 6, 2026

Election Integrity

Ban Foreign Funding in Ballot Propositions

Despite federal laws prohibiting foreign funding of candidate elections, foreign individuals and entities are still able to fund campaigns related to state and local ballot initiatives in multiple jurisdictions, creating a loophole that hostile foreign actors can exploit to influence American elections. Key points: Federal law prohibits foreign nationals from contributing to candidate campaigns or...

April 6, 2026

The Honorable Kathleen Hartnett White

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Restoring Private Property Rights: Regulatory Takings

When Government Lobbies Itself: Why Texas Should Ban Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying

Ban Foreign Funding in Ballot Propositions