A Misuse of Tax Dollars
What to know: Local governments and school districts in Texas often hire high-dollar lobbyists to argue for more governmental power and higher taxes. And they’re using taxpayer funds to get it done.
The TPPF take: Taxpayer-funded lobbying must end.
“The practice is being utilized by local governments to lobby state government for more government—and in a decidedly leftwing direction,” says TPPF’s James Quintero. “It is tantamount to the weaponization of public money against the public interest, for the benefit of a select few. Fortunately, there is a way to stop taxpayer-funded lobbying (bills like SB 19) and protect the constitutional order over the long-term.”
For more on taxpayer-funded lobbying, click here.
On the Border
What to know: Texas cattle ranchers are facing an old threat—the screwworm a fly-borne parasite that is moving up from Mexico.
The TPPF take: If left unchecked, the screwworm could decimate American cattle, horses, and wildlife.
“And once it’s here, eradicating it could take decades and cost billions,” says TPPF’s Melissa Ford. “The last time it happened, our livestock industry took 30 years to bounce back. While Mexico cries foul, it’s time we stop pretending we’re dealing with a friendly, cooperative neighbor. We’re not.”
For more on the screwworm, click here.
Build More Homes
What to know: A bill before the Texas Legislature would prevent small numbers of neighbors from blocking development of new homes.
The TPPF take: The bill would help lower housing prices by increasing the supply and eliminating the “Tyrant’s Veto.”
“In 2019, 19 Austin citizens used protests to delay zoning reform in Austing by roughly four years,” says TPPF’s John Bonura. “However, eventually the zoning reforms took effect, and the price of housing began to fall—which helps to prove that zoning reform works, and that the Tyrant’s Veto can hold up positive changes for cities and their citizens.”
For more on housing prices, click here.