SB 29 is a simple reform measure that would prohibit any political subdivision that receives money from the state of Texas from paying for lobbyists. It also blocks payments to people closely connected to lobbyists through business or by relation. Further, state contractors are also banned from using state dollars to pay for lobbying.
Local Government
Lawful Graft on Manor Road
Austin’s NGO machine isn’t breaking any rules. That’s the problem. Since October 2023, the City of Austin has paid $1.58 million to a progressive nonprofit with deep ties to Democratic socialism: the Workers Defense Project (WDP). Curiously, three councilmembers who oversee that spending—Vanessa Fuentes, José Velásquez, and Mike Siegel—won their seats with support from a political committee run by WDP’s own affiliate. Curiouser still, the organization’s lobbyists have worked city hall continuously...
September 3, 2026