Texas Takes a Bold Step to End Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying

Momentum to eliminate government waste is gaining traction nationwide. From initiatives in Washington’s Department of Government Efficiency to similar campaigns in Texas, a significant movement is unfolding. Recently, a pivotal discussion centered around Senate Bill 19 was held. This bill, authored by State Senator Mayes Middleton and prioritized by Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, aims to fundamentally transform the approach to public funding for lobbying.

Senate Bill 19 proposes to position Texas as the first state to prohibit the use of public funds for lobbying activities. This step is crucial for restoring republican principles and dismantling corrupt, anti-taxpayer interests. The fundamental belief in a government for the people, by the people, underscores the inconsistency of using taxpayer money to advance private agendas.

Understanding Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying

Taxpayer-funded lobbying has become increasingly evident in Texas in recent years. Local governments, school districts, and various associations, including the Texas Association of School Boards, have turned to hiring lobbyists funded by the taxes citizens pay. These lobbyists engage in wining and dining legislators with the hope of swaying legislation in their favor.

According to Texas law, lobbying involves registered lobbyists in Austin who are contracted to influence legislative processes. Unfortunately, local governments, school districts, and associations often utilize these lobbyists to counteract the will of the voters, contrary to public expectations that government entities act in the interest of their constituents.

The Risks of Lobbyists to Public Interests

It is alarming to note that taxpayer dollars are frequently employed to support divisive agendas. Progressive agendas, often bolstered by wealthy figures like billionaire George Soros, have increasingly infiltrated the Texas legislature. This financial influence aims to stifle sensible policies in an attempt to shift the state’s political landscape to the left.

For instance, taxpayer-funded lobbyists have opposing viewpoints regarding regulations that prevent men from using women’s restrooms. Moreover, various unelected officials often become entangled with the industries they regulate, which leads to the misuse of tax dollars to employ lobbyists whose interests align more with the corporations they represent than with the citizens.

Lobbyists funded by taxpayer dollars have also resisted tax relief efforts, advocating instead for increased sales and gas taxes, as well as higher vehicle registration fees. They have taken a stand against critical issues such as border security, voter ID requirements, teacher pay increases, and ensuring election integrity through citizenship verification.

The Public’s Stance on Lobbying Expenditures

In a time when Texas grapples with pressing issues regarding public safety, infrastructure, and essential services, spending over $100 million annually on lobbying raises eyebrows. A recent poll reveals that a remarkable 81% of Texans oppose this practice and advocate for its abolition by the state legislature. Instead of funneling taxpayer dollars into lobbying efforts that support ideological positions opposed by the majority, Texas leaders should prioritize responsible spending on roads, law enforcement, and offering meaningful tax relief.

A Call for Effective Representation

Importantly, Senate Bill 19 does not seek to silence local governments. Elected officials still have the opportunity to communicate effectively by calling, writing, and testifying before the legislature — fulfilling the original intentions of our founders. Local governments exist to represent the interests of citizens. Voters are increasingly frustrated as their voices are overshadowed by lobbyists funded by their own taxes.

The proposed ban on taxpayer-funded lobbying fosters clearer and more direct representation. It does not obstruct local officials from engaging with the legislature, traveling to Austin, or incurring expenses necessary to represent the people’s interests effectively.

Protecting the Foundations of Democracy

Every governmental structure derives its power from the people who created it for their representation. When local governments allocate taxpayer funds to lobbyists promoting agendas rejected by the public, they violate the principle of the consent of the governed. This act undermines the very foundation on which American democracy, as well as Texas’s governmental authority, stands.

Consequently, continued support for taxpayer-funded lobbying may lead to an erosion of the constitutional principles cherished by Texans. As part of the broader struggle against governmental influence, taxpayer-funded lobbying stands out as an issue starkly at odds with reforms like the DOGE initiative and SB19, which seeks to eliminate this waste.

The passing of Senate Bill 19 promises to rebuild public trust. The aim is to ensure that taxpayers’ hard-earned money directly addresses Texan needs and not the interests of bloated administrations or their hired advocates. This legislative session presents a crucial opportunity to eliminate taxpayer-funded lobbying once and for all.

Charting a New Path Forward

Now is the time for Texas to exemplify the principles of governance that put the people in charge. By aligning expenditure with public interests, Texas can signal to the rest of the nation that a government truly of, by, and for the people can thrive within its borders.

Joe Lonsdale is an entrepreneur and investor. He is a co-founder of Palantir Technologies and the venture firm 8VC, and serves as the chairman of the University of Austin and the Cicero Institute, a nationwide policy group.