At Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, our mission has always been clear: advocate for the hardworking taxpayers and families of Texas by promoting fiscal conservatism, reducing the size of government, and ensuring elected officials are held accountable to their constituents. On April 29, 2025, we saw a glimmer of hope in that fight, as State Rep. Brent Money (R-Greenville) took to the Texas House floor to challenge the status quo and fight for a cause we’ve long championed: ending taxpayer-funded lobbying.

Rep. Money questioned Speaker Dustin Burrows regarding Senator Mayes Middleton’s SB 19,  a bill to ban taxpayer-funded lobbying, asking whether the bill could be referred to a committee other than the stagnant State Affairs Committee, which is currently refusing to hold a hearing on the bill. Speaker Burrow’s response to Money’s request was a persistent “no.”

This bill, which seeks to stop local governments from using your tax dollars to hire lobbyists who often work against your interests, is a critical step toward fiscal responsibility and government transparency. As we’ve highlighted time and again, taxpayer-funded lobbying is an egregious misuse of taxpayer funds and a practice that the majority of Texans oppose. 

Yet, it persists, largely because entrenched interests in the Texas House have repeatedly stalled efforts to end it.

Middleton, a longtime advocate for banning this practice, has been pushing similar legislation since his time in the House in 2019. Now in the Senate, he continues to lead the charge. However, as we’ve seen in past sessions, the path to reform is never easy. 

The House has historically been a graveyard for such bills, with the State Affairs Committee often serving as a bottleneck. Money’s question on the floor signals a willingness to fight for a fairer process, one that doesn’t let good legislation die in committee.

At TFR, we believe Texas taxpayers shouldn’t be footing the bill for lobbyists who undermine their own interests. Whether it’s advocating for higher taxes, more spending, or policies that hurt local communities, these lobbyists are often at odds with the very citizens funding their salaries. This isn’t just a fiscal issue, it’s a matter of principle. Your tax dollars should fund essential services or be returned to you in the form of tax relief, not political agendas. That’s why we’re grateful for leaders like Brent Money, who are willing to stand up and demand accountability.

As this legislative session unfolds, Texans for Fiscal Responsibility will continue to monitor the progress of Middleton’s bill and hold lawmakers accountable for their votes. 

We urge our readers to stay informed and get involved. Contact your representatives and let them know you support ending taxpayer-funded lobbying. Together, we can build a Texas government that prioritizes its citizens over special interests.

Texans for Fiscal Responsibility relies on the support of private donors across the Lone Star State in order to promote fiscal responsibility and pro-taxpayer government in Texas. Please consider supporting our efforts! Thank you!

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