Longview Times

An East Texas city says it does not spend any funds on lobbying at the state Capitol.

"We do not spend any funds on lobbying," Ore City Administrator Kristan Kahler told the Longview Times.

Republican lawmakers in Austin are working to ban what is described as taxpayer-funded lobbying. Two companion bills, in the House and Senate, were filed ahead of the new legislative session. HB 749, filed by Rep. Mayes Middleton (R-Wallisville) states that political subdivisions, including cities, counties and school boards, cannot use public funds to hire an individual required to register as a lobbyist. Further, they cannot pay dues to an association, including the Texas Municipal League, that hires lobbyists.

“Taxpayer-funded lobbyists have opposed property tax relief, election integrity, disclosures of what bonds truly cost taxpayers, the constitutional ban on a state income tax, and they even opposed the bill to fund and protect our teacher’s retirement pensions,” Middleton told the East Houston News, a sister publication of the Longview Times.

In a letter sent to the Senate committee, mayors from across the state argued that such legislation means communities will not have the chance to advocate on matters important to their constituents, particularly as they recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The letter, whose signatories were led by the current league president, Coppell City Mayor Karen Hunter, said the proposed ban also will deprive "the legislature of valuable information from local governments on the most pressing issues of our time."

The ban on dues could have a crippling effect on the work of the Texas Municipal League and other associations, according to the organization.

"The concept of restricting community advocacy represents a limited view of public discourse and policymaking, not to mention a potentially dangerous understanding of the constitutional guarantees afforded to all citizens," the letter stated.

“Taxpayers are forced to pay for lobbyists that lobby against their best interests,” Middleton told the East Houston News. “Taxpayer-funded lobbying is a modern practice and a bad one.”

Up to $41 million per year is spent by local government on Austin lobbyists, according to a 2017 report by the Texas Public Policy Foundation, a conservative organization campaigning for a ban.

Middleton said 91% of Texas voters oppose political entities paying lobbyists, citing a December 2019 poll by WPA Intelligence, a self-styled conservative polling firm.

“Sadly, taxpayer-funded lobbyists have fought to hide the practice from taxpayers, leaving many unaware of the practice,” Middleton said.

Provisions of the lobbying bill say local governments are not prevented from hiring an individual or organization to monitor legislation in the interest of keeping local officials educated and informed.

Only public money for lobbying purposes is prohibited, and the bill encourages local officials to communicate directly with their state representatives and senators, according to its sponsors.

But those arguing against the bill claim it will hamper the ability of elected bodies to engage with legislators on various levels.