{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin","title":"Exposing Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying with Ben Crockett | Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/4d42925e\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1284,"description":"Exposing the truth about taxpayer-funded lobbying in Texas. In this episode of Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin, Mandy sits down with TPPF policy scholar Ben Crockett to uncover how millions of taxpayer dollars are being funneled to lobbying organizations, activist nonprofits, political advocacy groups, and special interests that many Texans never intended to fund.\nThe discussion explores how local governments use public money to finance organizations that lobby elected officials, influence legislation, engage in political activism, and advocate for policies that many taxpayers oppose. Mandy and Ben examine examples from major Texas cities, discuss the growing role of nonprofit organizations in local government spending, and explain why banning taxpayer-funded lobbying has become a top priority for government transparency and accountability advocates.\nIn this episode:\nWhat taxpayer-funded lobbying is and how it works\nWhy Texas taxpayers are paying governments to lobby other governments\nLocal government grants to activist organizations\nThe connection between lobbying, political action committees (PACs), and taxpayer dollars\nWhy advocates say government should focus on core services instead of political activism\nPolicy solutions to improve transparency and reduce government waste\nIf you care about property taxes, government accountability, transparency, limited government, and protecting Texas taxpayers, this episode breaks down one of the most controversial issues facing the Texas Legislature.\n👍 Like this video if you support government transparency.\n💬 Share your thoughts in the comments: Should taxpayer-funded lobbying be banned in Texas?\n🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on Texas policy, education reform, property taxes, and empowering parents.","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/_ImoH02SqKSezOOeC82tf4FL0wBpSk9AYZWFfSkkkN4/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS80YWRk/NjUyMjI1MjY4NGNk/ZTlmMDczYzRiOGE2/OWEyYi5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}