In many states, local governments spend more on lobbyists than both business and unions
By Christian Britschgi | Reason
Local governments are spending taxpayers’ money to lobby for more power over taxpayers.
The Texas Municipal League, for example, collects tax-funded dues from 1,153 cities. This year alone, the league has employed or contracted with 13 registered lobbyists, who have campaigned for cities’ power to impose everything from Airbnb restrictions to property tax increases.
Last year, Arizona’s professional regulatory boards—funded through a mix of taxes and licensing fees—spent roughly $1 million on professional lobbyists, who helped scuttle occupational licensing reform in the state.
