Taxpayers Shouldn’t Be Forced to Fund Lobbyists: Florida Rep. Jason Shoaf and Texas Sen. Adam Hinojosa in The Hill
Florida Representative Jason Shoaf and Texas Senator Adam Hinojosa, both ALEC members, recently co-authored an op-ed in The Hill outlining efforts to address the improper use of taxpayer funds and ensure transparency regarding public spending on lobbying activities. Their approach is aligned with the ALEC model No Taxpayer Money for Lobbying by Political Subdivisions Act.
In every healthy democracy, citizens should have the freedom to decide which causes and organizations deserve their support. Individuals can choose whether to join associations, donate to advocacy groups or hire lobbyists to represent their views.
However, when taxpayer dollars are used by local governments to hire lobbyists, that freedom disappears. Taxpayers are forced to bankroll political advocacy, whether they agree with it or not.
That’s why we each introduced the No Taxpayer Money for Lobbying by Political Subdivisions Act in our respective states.
In Florida, the legislation simply says public money cannot be used to hire professional lobbyists or fund associations that lobby state legislatures on behalf of local governments. It is a common-sense reform rooted in transparency, accountability and respect for taxpayers.