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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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  • 27 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 20 min
  • English

Episodes 27

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  • #44
    Monday · 24 min

    The Superintendent Salary Shell Game w/ Jennifer Windh

    The Tomball ISD Reporter's Jennifer Windh breaks down her new research paper, co-authored with TPPF's James Quintero, exposing how some of Texas’s public school superintendents are actually paid far more than what’s reported to the Texas Education Agency. Jennifer walks through the employment contracts of Houston-area superintendents, revealing the perks that never show up in the official numbers: district-paid retirement contributions, cash-out vacation days, longevity bonuses, expense allowances with no receipts required, and more. They also discuss what lawmakers can do about it in the 90th Legislative Session, including full disclosure of all superintendent compensation and a hard cap on total pay. 📄 Read the full research paper: https://www.texaspolicy.com/houstons-fat-cat-superintendents-the-hidden-benefits-how-some-of-texass-highest-paid-public-employees-are-systematically-underreporting-their-compensation/

  • #37
    October 28 · 53 min

    Local Government Spending on Transportation with Gerald Daugherty

    In this episode of Taxpayer Empowerment, host Jose Melendez sits down with former Travis County Commissioner Gerald Daugherty to discuss Austin's transportation challenges, the controversial Project Connect rail expansion, and the need for greater transparency and accountability in local government spending. Originally approved by Austin voters in 2020, Project Connect promised an ambitious 27-mile rail system. However, the project has since been scaled back to approximately 9.8 miles while facing significant cost increases. Daugherty argues that taxpayers are being asked to fund a dramatically different project than the one voters originally approved. With more than $880 million in taxpayer funding collected for Project Connect, should Austin residents have another opportunity to vote on the project? In this episode, we discuss: Why Austin's traffic congestion continues to worsen despite decades of transportation planning. How Project Connect went from a proposed 27-mile rail system to just 9.8 miles. The impact of Project Connect's funding structure on Austin property taxpayers. Gerald Daugherty's lawsuit challenging Project Connect and its financing. Whether light rail provides a worthwhile return on investment for taxpayers. Why independent, third-party efficiency audits are essential for local government accountability. Potential transportation and taxpayer protection reforms during the 90th Texas Legislature. How government spending decisions affect affordability for Texas families. Daugherty also shares the story behind his viral 2016 campaign advertisement and reflects on his 14 years serving on the Travis County Commissioners Court. Are Austin taxpayers getting their money's worth from Project Connect, or is it time to reconsider the city's transportation priorities? Watch the full conversation to learn more about Austin transportation policy, Texas property taxes, government transparency, and the future of taxpayer-funded infrastructure projects.

  • #42
    October 9 · 17 min

    Government Collection of Union Dues with Ben Westcott

    Should Texas taxpayers be responsible for collecting union dues for public employees? Should government agencies serve as middlemen for private organizations? In this episode of Taxpayer Empowerment, host Jose Melendez sits down with Ben Wescott, General Counsel for Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Texas, to discuss government payroll deductions for union dues, taxpayer-funded administrative costs, employee rights, and efforts to pass paycheck protection legislation in Texas. Currently, certain Texas government entities facilitate union dues payments through automatic payroll deductions for public employees. But should taxpayers be responsible for administering payments to private organizations? Melendez and Wescott examine why government neutrality matters, how modern payment technology makes direct union dues payments easier, and why lawmakers should reconsider the government's role in collecting union dues. In this episode, we discuss: How government payroll deductions for union dues work in Texas Why taxpayer-funded collection of union dues raises concerns about government neutrality The potential administrative costs and taxpayer savings associated with ending government-administered union dues deductions First Amendment protections, employee consent, and the Janus Supreme Court decision Why public employees would still be free to join unions and pay membership dues directly Existing exemptions for police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel Previous Texas legislative efforts to pass paycheck protection legislation What lawmakers could do during the 2027 Texas legislative session The central question: Should government resources be used to administer payments for private organizations, or should unions be responsible for collecting their own membership dues? As Texas lawmakers prepare for the next legislative session, the debate over union dues payroll deductions raises important questions about taxpayer accountability, government spending, freedom of association, and the proper role of government. Watch the full conversation to learn more about paycheck protection legislation and what potential reforms could mean for Texas taxpayers and public employees.

  • #36
    September 29 · 26 min

    Eliminating Property Taxes with Von Ormy Mayor Art Martinez de Vara

    Can a Texas city eliminate its property tax while maintaining and even increasing core city services? On this episode of Taxpayer Empowerment, TPPF's Jose Melendez sits down with Von Ormy Mayor Art Martinez de Vara to discuss how the city eliminated its property tax for the second time, paid off its remaining city debt, reduced administrative overhead, and redirected more resources toward essential services like roads and infrastructure. Mayor Martinez de Vara explains how Von Ormy cut payroll costs without reducing services, avoided unnecessary debt, and built a budget around consumption-based revenue such as sales taxes and franchise fees. He also discusses what other Texas cities can learn from Von Ormy’s approach to local government spending and fiscal discipline. The conversation also looks ahead to the next Texas legislative session, where property tax reform and local government spending are expected to receive significant attention. Jose and Mayor Martinez de Vara discuss potential limits on local spending, municipal authority, local government debt, bond election reform, taxpayer-funded lobbying, and whether cities should focus more narrowly on core government services. Topics include: • How Von Ormy eliminated its city property tax • Cutting government overhead without cutting core services • Paying down local government debt • Property taxes and local spending in Texas • City and county spending limits • Home rule vs. statutory cities in Texas • Local government debt and bond elections • Taxpayer-funded lobbying and municipal associations • Defining the core functions of city government • What Texas lawmakers could consider in the next legislative session

  • #35
    September 10 · 31 min

    Texans Deserve Government Transparency with Rachel Clow

    How transparent is your local government and what can you do when public officials make it difficult to access public records? In this episode of Taxpayer Empowerment, TPPF's Jose Melendez sits down with Rachel Clow, Executive Producer at KRIS 6 News in Corpus Christi, to discuss the Texas Public Information Act and why access to government records matters for taxpayers, journalists, and citizens. Drawing on decades of journalism and investigative reporting experience, Rachel explains how public information requests can uncover government spending, questionable contracts, public safety concerns, and other accountability issues. She also shares examples from major investigations involving the Corpus Christi Housing Authority, Nueces County Medical Examiner’s Office and other government entities. The conversation also explores some of the biggest obstacles Texans can encounter when requesting public records including high costs, delays, requests for clarification, and government entities seeking Texas Attorney General opinions before releasing information. Rachel also offers practical advice for Texans filing their first public information request: put your request in writing, specifically reference the Texas Public Information Act, clearly identify the records you want, understand your rights, and don't give up when you encounter resistance. In this episode: • How investigative journalists use the Texas Public Information Act • Why government records matter for taxpayer accountability • How public information requests can uncover larger investigations • Common delays and costs associated with obtaining public records • What government transparency should look like • The role of the Texas Attorney General in public records disputes • Potential reforms to strengthen the Texas Public Infromation Act • How Texans can file more effective public information requests • How citizens and journalists can work together to hold government accountable The Texas Public Information Act isn't just a tool for journalists or attorneys. It's a tool available to Texans seeking to understand how their government operates and how taxpayer dollars are being used.

  • #34
    August 26 · 26 min

    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.

  • #33
    August 19 · 24 min

    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.

  • #32
    August 13 · 21 min

    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

    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.

  • #30
    July 29 · 11 min

    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

    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.

  • #28
    July 16 · 9 min

    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

    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.

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