Taxpayers Paying $16M+ to Lobby Texas Legislators

Senator Konni Burton has determined that cities, counties and school districts spent over $16,000,000 in 2015 to lobby the state legislators. That does not include the money that the Texas Municipal League (TML) spent lobbying for the benefit of member cities, often against the best interests of taxpayers. Georgetown pays an annual membership fee to TML for them to lobby the legislature on their behalf.

Kenric Ward at Watchdog provides additional information.

"Burton says local governments do not necessarily share their constituents’ fiscal concerns when lobbying state lawmakers.

The upcoming session promises a bruising battle over property taxes. Cities, counties and school districts vow to fight legislation — including Senate Bill 2 — that seeks to lower Texas’ local levies, currently sixth highest in the nation."

You can be sure that Georgetown and TML will be lobbying our state legislators to not restrict their ability to impose whatever property tax they feel is necessary, without regard to the burden placed on the property owners.

Contact Senator Schwertner and Representative Terry Wilson and ask they support Senator Burton's bill that eliminates the use of taxpayer money for lobbying. The bill is SB 241 and the text can be found at Texas Legislature Online