Taxpayer Empowerment

Texas Public Policy Foundation
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TPPF's Jose Melendez interviews elected officials and activists about efforts to reduce Texans' tax burden.

  1. 2d ago

    Taxpayer Empowerment | Episode 35: Fighting Local Government Waste w/ Texas House Rep. Mitch Little

    Are Texas cities using your tax dollars the way they were intended? In this episode of Taxpayer Empowerment, Texas State Representative Mitch Little joins TPPF's Jose Melendez to discuss how local governments spend taxpayer money, why greater transparency is needed, and what reforms could help protect taxpayers. From nonprofit funding and government transparency to property taxes, local debt, and public records reform, Rep. Little explains why Texans should pay closer attention to how local governments manage billions of taxpayer dollars—and what lawmakers may do during the next legislative session. Topics Covered:Texas local government spending and accountabilityWaste, fraud, and abuse in city budgetsNGO funding and taxpayer transparencyProperty tax reform in TexasPublic Information Act and open recordsAustin homelessness spendingLocal government debt and bond reformSchool district deficit budgetsGovernment oversight and taxpayer protectionsTexas Legislature interim charges If you care about lower property taxes, transparent government, fiscal responsibility, and protecting taxpayer dollars, this episode is for you.

  2. Jul 22

    Taxpayer Empowerment Ep. 34 | What Washington, D.C. Can Learn From Texas w/ Rep. Roger Williams

    Texas continues to lead the nation in economic growth, job creation, and entrepreneurship but what lessons can Washington, D.C. learn from the Lone Star State? In this episode of Taxpayer Empowerment, Texas Public Policy Foundation's Jose Melendez sits down with Congressman Roger Williams, Chairman of the House Small Business Committee, to discuss why Texas has become America's top destination for businesses, the importance of permanent tax relief, reducing regulations, protecting family-owned businesses, recovering fraudulent COVID relief funds, and creating more opportunities for entrepreneurs. Topics covered in this interview: Why Texas is America's best state for small businessesHow lower taxes fuel economic growthThe impact of the "One Big Beautiful Bill"Why regulatory reform matters for entrepreneursEliminating the capital gains taxProtecting family farms and family-owned businessesRecovering billions in fraudulent pandemic relief fundsGovernment spending and taxpayer accountabilitySBA loans and small business growthWorkforce development and skilled tradesWhy predictability in tax policy mattersAdvice for young entrepreneurs looking to start a business in Texas If you care about lower taxes, economic freedom, small business success, and protecting taxpayers, this conversation is for you. 👍 Like this video🔔 Subscribe for more interviews on Texas public policy, taxes, government transparency, and economic freedom.💬 Share your thoughts in the comments: What should Congress do next to help small businesses?

  3. Jul 16

    Taxpayer Empowerment | Episode 33: Affordable Housing with White House Economist Aaron Hedlund

    Why are home prices rising so much faster than incomes? In this episode of Taxpayer Empowerment, Jose Melendez sits down with Aaron Hedland, White House economist and one of the Trump administration's leading voices on housing policy, to discuss the federal government's latest effort to tackle America's housing affordability crisis. President Trump's executive order aims to eliminate costly regulations, streamline permitting, reduce unnecessary fees, and remove barriers that make it harder and more expensive to build new homes. Aaron explains how excessive government regulations have added a six-figure "bureaucrat tax" to the cost of housing and why increasing housing supply is the key to restoring affordability. The conversation also highlights Texas as a national model, examining how pro-growth housing policies, regulatory reform, and increased home construction have helped keep housing more affordable than in states like California. In this video, you'll learn: Why housing prices have dramatically outpaced incomesHow government regulations increase the cost of new homesWhat President Trump's housing executive order doesThe impact of permitting delays, impact fees, and building mandatesWhy increasing housing supply lowers costsHow Texas housing reforms compare to other statesWhy regulatory reform matters more than housing subsidiesWhat success would look like for first-time homebuyers and taxpayers If you care about housing affordability, property rights, economic freedom, homeownership, or Texas public policy, this conversation is for you.

  4. Jul 6

    Taxpayer Empowerment | Episode 32: Housing Affordability & Election Integrity with Sen. Bryan Hughes

    The American Dream of homeownership is becoming harder to achieve but Texas lawmakers are working to change that. In this episode of Taxpayer Empowerment, TPPF's Jose Melendez sits down with Texas State Senator Brian Hughes to discuss the landmark housing reforms passed during the 89th Legislative Session, the challenges cities are creating in implementing those reforms, and what's next for protecting property rights and expanding housing affordability across Texas. The conversation also dives into election integrity, including proposals to consolidate local elections, prevent foreign influence in Texas elections, and strengthen voter confidence ahead of the next legislative session. In this episode: Why homeownership is becoming less affordable in TexasHow Senate Bill 840 is unlocking thousands of new housing opportunitiesWhy some cities are resisting state housing reformsThe fight for property rights and accessory dwelling units (ADUs)What's planned for housing reform in the next legislative sessionWhy local election dates matter for voter turnoutThe push to consolidate elections into NovemberPreventing foreign money from influencing Texas electionsThe future of election integrity in Texas If you care about property rights, affordable housing, limited government, election integrity, and public policy in Texas, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

  5. Jun 24

    The Duties of The Texas Comptroller w/ Don Huffines

    On this episode of Taxpayer Empowerment, TPPF's Jose Melendez sits down with candidate for Texas Comptroller Don Huffines to discuss the role of the Texas Comptroller, how they handle the state's money, Texas DOGE reforms and cutting taxes for Texans.

  6. Jun 16

    San Antonio’s Economic Future with City Councilwoman Misty Spears

    How can San Antonio stay affordable, competitive, and accountable to taxpayers? In this episode of Taxpayer Empowerment, Texas Public Policy Foundation's Jose Melendez sits down with San Antonio City Councilwoman Misty Spears to discuss economic development, artificial intelligence, veteran entrepreneurship, city budgeting, government transparency, housing affordability, public safety, infrastructure, and the future of San Antonio. Councilwoman Spears shares insights from her recent economic development mission to Taiwan and Japan, where she worked to strengthen international partnerships in cybersecurity, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and advanced manufacturing. She also discusses her proposal for an AI workforce certification program, initiatives supporting veteran-owned small businesses, and her vision for responsible city budgeting that prioritizes core services over government expansion. The conversation explores some of the most important issues facing Texans today: ✅ Economic Development & Job Creation✅ Artificial Intelligence & Workforce Training✅ Veteran Entrepreneurship & Small Business Growth✅ Government Transparency & Accountability✅ Public Safety & Infrastructure Investment✅ Property Taxes & Affordability Challenges✅ Housing Policy & Homeownership Opportunities✅ Local Control vs. State Oversight✅ Audits, Budget Reform & Taxpayer Protection✅ The Future of San Antonio & Texas Growth If you're interested in Texas politics, local government, taxpayer advocacy, economic growth, housing affordability, public policy, city budgets, government transparency, and the future of San Antonio, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. 📌 Subscribe for more interviews, policy discussions, and taxpayer-focused content.

  7. May 29

    Property Rights and Short-Term Rentals with Lauren Bouton

    On this episode of Taxpayer Empowerment, recorded live at TPS 2026, Jose Melendez sits down with Lauren Bouton of Airbnb to break down the growing debate over short-term rental regulations in Texas.

  8. May 29

    Why The Woodlands Has Some of the Lowest Property Tax Rates in Texas

    In this episode of Taxpayer Empowerment, we sit down with Brad Bailey, Chairman of The Woodlands Township, to break down one of the most successful low-tax government models in Texas.

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About

TPPF's Jose Melendez interviews elected officials and activists about efforts to reduce Texans' tax burden.

Information

  • Creator
    Texas Public Policy Foundation
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Texas Public Policy Foundation