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Taxpayer Empowerment

Texas Public Policy Foundation

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

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  • 22 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 18 min
  • English

Episodes 22

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  • #34
    August 26 · 26 min

    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.

  • #33
    August 19 · 24 min

    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 voters Why public confidence and transparency matter The case for consolidating local Texas elections How low-turnout elections can affect bond propositions and local government Potential taxpayer savings from election consolidation Foreign money in state and local ballot propositions Closing loopholes involving foreign political spending Proof-of-citizenship requirements for state and local elections Arizona’s two-tier voter registration model State-issued identification for noncitizens Standardizing paper ballots and optical-scanning technology How Texas could produce faster, more trusted election results TPPF’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.

  • #32
    August 13 · 21 min

    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 exemptions San Antonio’s budget and spending priorities Zero-based budgeting and government efficiency Wasteful spending and taxpayer accountability Transparency for city budgets, taxes, and fees Local government contracts with nonprofits and outside organizations The Texas Regulatory Consistency Act (HB 2127) The proper role of state versus local government Managing San Antonio’s continued population and economic growth How taxpayers can engage with city council and local government Why 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.

  • #31
    August 6 · 11 min

    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 outcomes Why mental health treatment is essential to reducing homelessness How taxpayer dollars should be evaluated using clear performance metrics (KPIs) The need for statewide dashboards to track homelessness and program effectiveness Public safety, compassion, and accountability in addressing homeless encampments Why Haven for Hope in San Antonio serves as a model for Texas Legislative 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.

  • #30
    July 29 · 11 min

    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 accountability Waste, fraud, and abuse in city budgets NGO funding and taxpayer transparency Property tax reform in Texas Public Information Act and open records Austin homelessness spending Local government debt and bond reform School district deficit budgets Government oversight and taxpayer protections Texas Legislature interim charges If you care about lower property taxes, transparent government, fiscal responsibility, and protecting taxpayer dollars, this episode is for you.

  • #29
    July 22 · 16 min

    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 businesses How lower taxes fuel economic growth The impact of the "One Big Beautiful Bill" Why regulatory reform matters for entrepreneurs Eliminating the capital gains tax Protecting family farms and family-owned businesses Recovering billions in fraudulent pandemic relief funds Government spending and taxpayer accountability SBA loans and small business growth Workforce development and skilled trades Why predictability in tax policy matters Advice 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?

  • #28
    July 16 · 9 min

    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 incomes How government regulations increase the cost of new homes What President Trump's housing executive order does The impact of permitting delays, impact fees, and building mandates Why increasing housing supply lowers costs How Texas housing reforms compare to other states Why regulatory reform matters more than housing subsidies What 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.

  • #27
    July 6 · 14 min

    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 Texas How Senate Bill 840 is unlocking thousands of new housing opportunities Why some cities are resisting state housing reforms The fight for property rights and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) What's planned for housing reform in the next legislative session Why local election dates matter for voter turnout The push to consolidate elections into November Preventing foreign money from influencing Texas elections The 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.

  • #26
    June 24 · 14 min

    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.

  • #25
    June 16 · 25 min

    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.

  • #21
    May 29 · 13 min

    Standing Up for Taxpayers with Galveston County Judge Mark Henry

    How do county decisions impact your property taxes, local debt, and government transparency? In this episode of Taxpayer Empowerment, Jose Melendez, Campaign Director of the Taxpayer Protection Project, sits down with Mark Henry, County Judge of Galveston County, for a deep dive into fiscal discipline at the local level.

  • #17
    May 29 · 30 min

    Make Homeownership Attainable Again with AEI's Ed Pinto

    TPPF’s Jose Melendez is joined by Ed Pinto, Senior Fellow and Co-Director of the AEI Housing Center at the American Enterprise Institute, to break down the housing affordability crisis in Texas and across the United States.

  • #16
    May 29 · 21 min

    Inside Texas’ Finances with Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock

    On this special episode of Taxpayer Empowerment, TPPF’s Jose Melendez sits down with Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock for an in-depth discussion on the state of Texas’ finances. Comptroller Hancock explains how the Comptroller’s office manages the launch of the nation’s largest school choice program, ensures transparency in state budgeting, and delivers tax relief to families impacted by the recent Hill Country flooding.

  • #15
    May 29 · 12 min

    How State Government and Local Government Intersect w/ Matt Krause

    Join TPPF’s Jose Melendez on this episode of Taxpayer Empowerment as he sits down with Tarrant County Commissioner Matt Krause to break down how decisions made at the Texas Capitol directly impact local governments and taxpayers in Tarrant County and beyond.

Showing 1–20 of 22 episodes