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. Aug 26

    Taxpayer Empowerment | Ep. 39: Government Transparency with Kelley Shannon

    Transparency is essential to holding government accountable but are Texas taxpayers getting the access to public information they deserve? In this episode of Taxpayer Empowerment, TPPF's Jose Melendez sits down with Kelley Shannon, Executive Director of the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas, to discuss the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA), the obstacles Texans can face when requesting government records, and reforms lawmakers could consider during the 2027 legislative session. The Texas Public Information Act is built on the principle that government information is presumed open unless a legal exception applies. But delays, excessive cost estimates, misuse of the Attorney General ruling process, and broad interpretations of exemptions can make accessing public records more difficult. Jose and Kelley discuss how these barriers affect everyday Texans seeking information about their cities, counties, school districts, and other governmental entities. They also examine concerns surrounding attorney-client privilege, litigation exemptions, government information held by outside vendors, and taxpayer-funded partnerships with private or quasi-governmental organizations. The conversation also looks ahead to potential Texas government transparency reforms in the 90th Texas Legislature, including reducing delays, reviewing commonly abused exemptions, strengthening enforcement of the Public Information Act, improving recovery of attorney’s fees for successful requestors, and encouraging governments to proactively publish frequently requested records online. In this episode:• How the Texas Public Information Act works• Why open records are a taxpayer issue• Delays and excessive costs for public records requests• The role of the Texas Attorney General in open-records disputes• Attorney-client privilege and litigation exemptions• Transparency involving government contractors and outside organizations• Proactive disclosure of frequently requested government records• Potential Public Information Act reforms for the 2027 Texas legislative session• How stronger enforcement could improve government accountability Texans have a right to know what their government is doing and where their tax dollars are going. Strengthening transparency can give taxpayers the information they need to hold public officials and government institutions accountable. Subscribe to Taxpayer Empowerment for more conversations on Texas government transparency, taxpayer protection, property taxes, local government accountability, and public policy.

  2. Aug 19

    Taxpayer Empowerment | Episode 38: Election Integrity with Chuck DeVore

    Texas election integrity is about more than counting votes. It’s about ensuring Texans can trust that elections are secure, transparent, accurate, and fair. In this episode of Taxpayer Empowerment, TPPF’s Jose Melendez sits down with Chuck DeVore, TPPF’s Chief National Initiatives Officer, to discuss key election integrity reforms Texas lawmakers could consider in the next legislative session. Their conversation covers election consolidation, foreign funding of ballot propositions, proof of citizenship, noncitizen voting, voting technology, and ways to strengthen public confidence in Texas elections. They also examine how holding local elections on low-turnout dates can affect voter participation and taxpayer-funded bond elections and why consolidating elections with higher-turnout primary or November elections could dramatically increase participation. In this episode: What election integrity means for Texas votersWhy public confidence and transparency matterThe case for consolidating local Texas electionsHow low-turnout elections can affect bond propositions and local governmentPotential taxpayer savings from election consolidationForeign money in state and local ballot propositionsClosing loopholes involving foreign political spendingProof-of-citizenship requirements for state and local electionsArizona’s two-tier voter registration modelState-issued identification for noncitizensStandardizing paper ballots and optical-scanning technologyHow Texas could produce faster, more trusted election resultsTPPF’s election integrity priorities heading into the next legislative session What would successful election reform look like? Chuck DeVore argues that the ultimate goal is an election system Texans trust enough that they can spend less time worrying about election mechanics and more time debating candidates, policies, and the future of the state. Subscribe for more conversations about Texas government, taxes, elections, and the issues shaping the Lone Star State.

  3. Aug 13

    Taxpayer Empowerment | Ep. 37: Excessive Local Government Spending with Councilman Marc Whyte

    In this episode of Taxpayer Empowerment, TPPF's Jose Melendez sits down with San Antonio City Councilman Marc Whyte to discuss property taxes, government spending, zero-based budgeting, local government transparency, and what Texas cities can do to improve affordability and fiscal responsibility. Why do property tax bills keep rising even after the Texas Legislature delivers tax relief? Councilman Whyte explains the role that cities, counties, school districts, and other local governments play in property taxes and why he believes controlling local spending is essential to keeping Texas affordable. The conversation examines San Antonio’s budget challenges, including the city’s $100+ million budget deficit, and Whyte’s push for zero-based budgeting (ZBB). He explains how reviewing programs from the ground up can uncover wasteful or redundant spending and help city government prioritize core services such as public safety and infrastructure. Jose and Councilman Whyte also discuss: Property tax relief and local homestead exemptionsSan Antonio’s budget and spending prioritiesZero-based budgeting and government efficiencyWasteful spending and taxpayer accountabilityTransparency for city budgets, taxes, and feesLocal government contracts with nonprofits and outside organizationsThe Texas Regulatory Consistency Act (HB 2127)The proper role of state versus local governmentManaging San Antonio’s continued population and economic growthHow taxpayers can engage with city council and local governmentWhy local elections matter for fiscal policy As Texas cities continue to grow, can local governments meet the demands of growth without allowing spending and property taxes to grow unchecked? This conversation explores how fiscal discipline, transparency, and citizen involvement can help keep local government accountable to taxpayers.

  4. Aug 6

    Fixing Homelessness in Texas with Texas Senator Tan Parker | Taxpayer Empowerment

    In this episode of Taxpayer Empowerment, Jose Melendez  sits down with Texas Senator Tan Parker to discuss how Texas can move beyond failed homelessness policies and deliver real, measurable results for taxpayers and those experiencing homelessness. Senator Parker shares his vision for reforming homelessness policy by focusing on mental health treatment, workforce development, accountability, and permanent housing outcomes rather than simply measuring dollars spent or the number of people served. The conversation explores why the traditional Housing First model has fallen short, how new leadership at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under Secretary Scott Turner could reshape federal policy, and why Texas should adopt data-driven solutions that prioritize long-term self-sufficiency. Senator Parker also discusses: The importance of measuring homelessness programs by permanent housing outcomesWhy mental health treatment is essential to reducing homelessnessHow taxpayer dollars should be evaluated using clear performance metrics (KPIs)The need for statewide dashboards to track homelessness and program effectivenessPublic safety, compassion, and accountability in addressing homeless encampmentsWhy Haven for Hope in San Antonio serves as a model for TexasLegislative efforts to improve homelessness services across Texas If you're interested in Texas public policy, homelessness solutions, taxpayer accountability, mental health policy, conservative policy ideas, or state government, this episode provides an in-depth discussion on one of the state's most pressing challenges. 👉 Subscribe for more conversations on Texas policy, government accountability, and taxpayer empowerment.

  5. Jul 29

    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.

  6. 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?

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

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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
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Texas Public Policy Foundation