Now, none of those entities have come right out and said they want to raise your taxes. But, none of those groups support budget cuts in the state budget. So, what is the alternative? Of course it is raising taxes.
Yes it is legal for our local governments to lobby to raise your taxes, as shown here in the Texas Local Government Code:
Texas Local Government Code section 556.0055
§ 556.0055. RESTRICTIONS ON LOBBYING EXPENDITURES. (a) A
political subdivision or private entity that receives state funds
may not use the funds to pay:
(1) lobbying expenses incurred by the recipient of the
funds;
(2) a person or entity that is required to register
with the Texas Ethics Commission under Chapter 305;
(3) any partner, employee, employer, relative,
contractor, consultant, or related entity of a person or entity
described by Subdivision (2); or
(4) a person or entity that has been hired to represent
associations or other entities for the purpose of affecting the
outcome of legislation, agency rules, ordinances, or other
government policies.
(b) A political subdivision or private entity that violates
Subsection (a) is not eligible to receive additional state funds.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1498, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Note that on the spending of "state" funds is prohibited by law. So local governments can use local money to lobby for tax increases with your money.
This law should be changed where no local government can use your money to lobby, only to inform. There is a big difference. School districts can only use money to inform about school bond issues, not lobby for or against. This should be the same practice followed with all local governments.
Bet the city, county and schools would not lobby for that legislation!
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