Michael Deffendall
@MikeDeffendall
TX State Policy Advisor, @COSProjectTX #COS, @COSProject
I just signed the pledge to support legislation stopping taxpayer-funded lobbying! stoptfl.com
When people claim that the 1787 Constitutional Convention was a "runaway," they are defaming our Constitution! Here's why - and to learn more, visit conventionofstates.com
This is how big-government folks want to influence people through taxpayer-funded lobbying to believe that “public education” in rural districts is more important than the needs of taxpayers and parents (who are taxpayers) while failing kids at school. Ban taxpayer-funded…
This #TxLege special session, @mayes_middleton's SB-12 would silence the advocacy efforts of #RuralTX and #RuralEd. This bill has been described as “banning taxpayer-funded lobbying,” but it’s really about gutting #TxEd’s voice, particularly in Rural TX. A #TxLege 🧵.
Texas Lawmakers Aim To Address Unfinished Business In Special Session via @forbes forbes.com/sites/patrickg… @Burrows4TX, so happy to hear you are in support of SB 12. Sign the pledge at stoptfl.com/pledge #txlege
Now it’s time to stop the Texas version of USAID - taxpayer funded lobbying. $100 million taken from taxpayers this year and given to lobbyists to work against conservatives and taxpayers!
Pretty lame, but of course the DNC is bankrupt. Performative arts are not free... too bad USAID has stopped funding their side. #txlege
Well said. The delegates were acting under the authority of the people, and the process was ratified by the states. It wasn’t a “runaway”—it was a course correction. #txlege
When people claim that the 1787 Constitutional Convention was a "runaway," they are defaming our Constitution! Here's why - and to learn more, visit conventionofstates.com
Yes @ElonMusk, it's time! The @COSProject has 3 elements: (1) Impose fiscal restraints on the federal government (2) Limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and (3) Limit the terms of office for its officials and Congress. conventionofstates.com/x-petition #termlimits
Taxpayer funded lobbying is the USAID of Texas. Your tax $ are used to hire lobbyists that then lobby against taxpayers. Banning the practice is the toughest fight in Austin because it defunds the deep state—and that’s exactly why I lead the fight to end taxpayer–funded lobbying!…
Rural taxpayers shouldn’t be forced to fund lobbyists who oppose school choice or property tax relief. For example, TASB used tax dollars to fight teacher pay transparency—without voter consent. SB 12 stops that abuse. #txlege #RuralTX
This #TxLege special session, @mayes_middleton's SB-12 would silence the advocacy efforts of #RuralTX and #RuralEd. This bill has been described as “banning taxpayer-funded lobbying,” but it’s really about gutting #TxEd’s voice, particularly in Rural TX. A #TxLege 🧵.
@_ScottLucas Taxpayer-funded lobbying isn’t “local control”—it’s forcing Texans to fund lobbyists who often work against their values. No one is silencing rural Texans. We’re just saying government shouldn’t use our tax dollars to lobby for more government. Period. #txlege
Let’s be clear. A ban on “tax payer funded lobbying” is an attack on communities and schools. Charter schools aren’t prohibited and elected officials aren’t prohibited from taking lobby money. This is an attack on local control and an attempt to silence rural Texans.
Texans shouldn’t be forced to fund lobbyists who work against their values. Banning taxpayer-funded lobbying puts We the People back in control, not the special interest groups.
For all the people who think taxpayer funded lobbying is the same as private lobbying, let me clear that up. Each person can "choose" to give money to a non profit or corporation for their lobbying efforts. And each person can "choose" to withdrawn that financial support at…
There is zero reason a local elected official would need a hired gun to go between them and their state representative or senator. No one else should be better suited to advocate for their cause, or have more credibility with their state legislators.
I respect your perspective @LoewyLawFirm , but this is exactly the mindset that keeps the swamp alive. The belief that “nothing gets done without taxpayer-funded lobbyists” is part of the problem—not the solution. Local governments already have elected officials, professional…
I disagree with my friend Rep Cain on this. I am aware of some extraordinary lobbying that greatly benefited a small city in central Texas. How do people think these small locales can do it without lobbyists ? It’s the only way things get done. #txlege
Thank you to these lawmakers for pledging to end taxpayer-funded lobbying! We invite all legislators to join this growing list of lawmakers fighting for Texas taxpayers. #txlege stoptfl.com
The Texas House must summon the fortitude to end this practice, and failure to do so will represent a massive failure for our chamber. According to recent estimates, the lobby spends approximately $300B each biennium, and up to $70B of that comes out of your pocketbook. This…
HAPPENING NOW The Senate State Affairs Committee is hearing SB 12 (@mayes_middleton), which would BAN taxpayer funded lobbying! Texans shouldn't be footing the bill for lobbyists advocating against their own interests.
New website drop: stop taxpayer-funded lobbying stoptfl.com
Senate Bill 12, the Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying Ban, passed unanimously out of the Senate Committee on State Affairs, 10-0! #txlege
Have you been told that the states can't limit the subject matter of an Article V convention? Better listen to this! Interested to learn more facts about Article V? Visit conventionofstates.com