Taxpayer Empowerment

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 accountabilityTexans 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.

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 sessionWhat 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.

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 policyAs 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.

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 TexasIf 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.

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 chargesIf you care about lower property taxes, transparent government, fiscal responsibility, and protecting taxpayer dollars, this episode is for you.

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 TexasIf 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?

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 taxpayersIf you care about housing affordability, property rights, economic freedom, homeownership, or Texas public policy, this conversation is for you.

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 TexasIf 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.

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. 

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 GrowthIf 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.

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.

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.

TPPF’s Jose Melendez sits down with Von Ormy, Texas Mayor Art Martinez de Vara to discuss the importance of responsible, accountable, and transparent local government.

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.

TPPF’s Jose Melendez sits down with Lago Vista, Texas Mayor Shane Saum to break down how decisions made at city halls across Texas directly impact local taxpayers.

TPPF’s Jose Melendez is joined by Alex Horowitz of the Pew Charitable Trusts to discuss the growing housing affordability crisis in the United States and Texas.

TPPF’s Jose Melendez is joined by San Antonio City Councilwoman Misty Spears to discuss uniform election dates in Texas and why election timing matters for voters and taxpayers.

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.

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.

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.

TPPF’s Jose Melendez sits down with Texas State Representative Hillary Hickland to discuss bond elections, local government debt, and the growing use of taxpayer-funded lobbyists in Texas. They also talk about Rep. Hickland’s strong advocacy for parental rights, her efforts to protect students from political indoctrination in schools, and how Texas can promote transparency and accountability in local governance.

TPPF’s Jose Melendez sits down with Glenn Hamer, President and CEO of the Texas Association of Business, to discuss housing affordability in Texas, the state’s economic growth, and the pro-growth policies that help keep Texas’ economy strong.

TPPF’s Jose Melendez sits down with Chad Ennis from the Honest Elections Project to discuss election integrity in Texas and the reforms aimed at keeping our elections secure and transparent. They break down the push for a uniform election date in Texas and what it could mean for voters across the state. Plus, they discuss the upcoming constitutional amendments that Texans will be voting on this November.

TPPF’s Jose Melendez sits down with Save Austin Now’s Matt Mackowiak to discuss Austin’s Proposition Q, a controversial ballot measure that would raise city property taxes by 20%. They break down what Prop Q would actually do, why the City of Austin is asking voters to approve the tax increase, and the growing concerns from Austinites about affordability, government spending, and transparency.

TPPF’s Jose Melendez sits down with Texas State Representative Helen Kerwin to discuss major property tax reform and the potential elimination of property taxes in Texas. Rep. Kerwin also shares details about her PFAS legislation designed to keep harmful chemicals out of fertilizer and protect Texas farmers and families. Plus, they expose how taxpayer-funded lobbyists were paid to fight against this important reform.

TPPF's Jose Melendez sits down with Chris Baker, founder of The Other Ones Foundation, to discuss the growing homelessness crisis in Texas. Chris shares how he got involved in helping the homeless community, why he founded The Other Ones Foundation, and what solutions could make a real impact.

TPPF’s Jose Melendez and Judge Shepard are joined by Co-State Director for Convention of States Texas Darren York to break down the 2025 Texas constitutional amendments on the ballot this November. Learn what each amendment means for Texas voters — from technical college funding and water infrastructure funding to new taxes, bail denial, and more.

TPPF’s Jose Melendez sits down with Rep. Terri Leo-Wilson to discuss critical issues shaping Texas education policy and how the Texas Legislature is working to improve outcomes for students. They also dive into pressing taxpayer concerns, including the rising local government debt in Texas, the influence of taxpayer-funded lobbying, and more.

TPPF’s Jose Melendez sits down with Representative Cody Vasut to break down the latest efforts at the Texas Legislature to deliver real property tax relief and stop government entities from using your tax dollars to lobby against you.

TPPF’s Jose Melendez sits down with his colleague James Quintero to break down the latest from the Texas Legislature’s special session and what it means for Texas taxpayers. They discuss the recently passed SB 10, which lowers the Voter Approval Tax Rate from 3.5% to 2.5%, and explore how this change impacts property taxes across Texas.

TPPF’s Jose Melendez sits down with San Antonio City Councilman Marc Whyte to break down the importance of zero-based budgeting in San Antonio. Discover how this budgeting approach can rein in excessive local government spending, improve city accountability, and give taxpayers a stronger voice in how their dollars are used.

TPPF's Jose Melendez is joined by Former Alvin City Council Member Joel Castro to discuss local government's increasing amount of bond debt, runaway spending, bond election reform and more. 

On this episode of Taxpayer Empowerment, TPPF's Jose Melendez and Bexar County Commissioner Grant Moody of Precinct 3 to discuss implementing local spending limits and tax reform to help taxpayers across Texas and stop local governments from eating up your property tax relief.

TPPF's Jose Melendez sits down with Ben Crockett to discuss Ben's experience dealing with taxpayer-funded lobbyists in the legislature while advocating for a piece of legislation he and his fellow Texas A&M classmates drafted.