From Panic to Depression?
October 28, 2008 | NJ
AFP Director of Policy Phil Kerpen analyzes the major policy errors that could risk turning the financial panic into another Great Depresssion.

Kropf: Merit Pay Measure Has Merit
October 19, 2008 | OR

Sarah Palin stood against the Bridge to Nowhere. Why didn’t Obama and Biden?
September 11, 2008 | NH
AFP policy director Phil Kerpen recounts the history of the Bridge to Nowhere.

Can We Taxpayers Afford Property Tax Cuts?
September 2, 2008 | TX
Don’t give us more property tax relief – we can’t afford it We at Americans for Prosperity had warned legislators last session that giving property tax relief without putting some constraints on local governments’ ability to devour that tax cut would resulting Texans’ not taking their school property tax cut to the bank. And it did. Worse still, local governments’ growth is providing the majority of the most recent employment increase in Texas where literally 1 in 13 workers was on the public workforce. Government creating jobs isn’t what we had in mind – we want private sector jobs created! The more people government employees, the greater the tax burden individuals and businesses must shoulder. And with pension plans and other post-employment benefits increasing, those plans will leave our children with a legacy of higher taxes and government debt. Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Tom Pauken has outlined the issue in a recent op ed, and included some illuminating facts on property tax cuts and local spending increases provided by the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association (TTARA). It’s worth a read!

Texans not scrambling to legislate global warming green schemes
September 1, 2008 | TX

"Democrats Should Let Us Drill"
July 18, 2008 | FL
Now that an executive-branch ban on offshore oil exploration has been lifted, the time has come for Democrats in Washington to lift their own ban on increased domestic supply. Americans are demanding that Congress do something about record-high gas prices. They recognize that prices will not go down unless supplies go up. And they also know that the only thing now standing in the way of more domestic supply is the Democratic refusal to allow it.

Capping and Trading our Economic Well-Being
June 12, 2008 | MO
Progessives, otherwise known as liberals, have been unsuccessful in raising our taxes in the daylight. Now the are trying to foist a $1.2 trillion backdoor tax increase in the name of saving the environment. The so-called Cap and Trade bill would not improve the environment enough to have any impact on said environment but it would have devasting affects on Missouri's economy.

Columbus Dispatch Opinion Editorial
June 6, 2008 | OH
AFP - Ohio State Director Jack Boyle submitted an op-ed on wider reforms needed in the Ohio Attorney General's office. The Columbus Dispatch printed it today.

Missed Opportunities - Real and Imagined
May 19, 2008 | MO
Liberal interests around the state are complaining that not enough government spending is taking place on their favorite causes. The rest of us are just glad that we are once again safe as the legislature is no longer in session.

Radical Environmentalists Threaten Our Economy and Way of Life
May 6, 2008 | TX
Americans for Prosperity has completed its first leg of the Hot Air Tour, traveling the country talking about how global warming alarmists are threatening our prosperity and our freedom. The tour traveled to Dallas and to Houston and enlightened citizens on what is at stake.

Escaping Ohio's Death Tax
May 5, 2008 | OH
The Wall Street Journal published an interesting piece on a former Ohio Senator in the May 3rd Opinion Journal. This is a shining example of the need to get rid of Ohio's death tax.

Small Government is Cheaper Government
April 29, 2008 | FL
With the April 15 filing deadline behind us, we're well aware of when taxes are due. But do you know when your taxes are paid? According to the non-profit Tax Foundation (www.taxfoundation.org), Floridians did not pay off their annual tax bill until April 26, that's yesterday. You'll spend one-third of the year working for federal, state, and local governments before you begin working for yourself.

Government Lobbyists Paid with Tax Dollars
March 31, 2008 | TX
Are you aware that governmental entities use our tax dollars to hire lobbyists to promote the growth of government and oppose tax limitations? They do this despite the fact that there are laws on the books in Texas which prohibit this activity. Unfortunately there are no penalties for violating these laws. (Not yet, anyway)...

State Director Adam Guillette Responds to the Times Union Biased Article
March 12, 2008 | FL
As a reader of The Florida Times Union, I was absolutely shocked to read today’s article about Mike Hogan’s plan to limit the excessive growth of state and local government. Simply put, the article has little balance and presents only one side of the story. Mike Hogan is not given a chance to respond to the irresponsible and inaccurate claims made by the mayor and his taxpayer funded lobbyist, John Thrasher. Also ignored are the co-authors of the legislation, Americans for Prosperity. Readers of the Times Union deserve better.

Who Said 'Father (or Mother) Knows Best'? Hint, It wasn't an Educrat
February 25, 2008 | MO
Educrats believe they know what is best for all children, while most parents disagree - and are willing to take action.

There's More on the Ballot than Candidates for Office
February 23, 2008 | TX
Voters participating in the Republican primary in Texas have the opportunity to weigh in on three issues important to Texas policymakers and citizens: controlling the growth of government, voter ID and enforcing immigration laws to secure our borders. AFP has been a leader in working on spending limits. Peggy Venable is being heard on Texas State Network this weekend talking about these nonbinding ballot initiatives and the message they send.

Do They Really Not Get It or Do They Really Think You Are That Dumb?
February 16, 2008 | MO
School districts are reacting to AFPMO's revelations of their wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars by attempting to white wash their true actions. We aren't letting them get away with it.

The Case for Substantive Tax Reform
February 15, 2008 | FL
Countries all around the world are finally realizing that free markets work. They're realizing that tax reform works, LOW TAXES work. Free-market policies are being advanced in Canada and Mexico. Even FRANCE is talking about reforming their tax code and cutting taxes. France!

Florida Residents Deserve Tax Reform
February 12, 2008 | FL
The simple fact is that Floridians are being over-taxed. Government is growing at rates that are not sustainable, especially at the local level. Recently at a public hearing in Miami, I heard a Dade County official talk about the tough-times that the government is experiencing since they had to undergo a budget cut. Fortunately, someone a great question: what did you do with all the excess revenue you had received over the past few years?

Bury the Death Tax
February 11, 2008 | OH
AFP - Ohio State Director Jack Boyle opposes the Ohio estate tax in an op-ed sent to newspapers statewide.

Ohio Estate Tax Op - Ed
February 6, 2008 | OH
State Representative Jay Hottinger (R, Newark), the recently named Chairman of the powerful House Finance and Appropriations Committee, wrote this opinion editorial urging his fellow legislators to pass House Bill 4 which reforms the Ohio Estate Tax.

Phil Kerpen, AFP Director of Policy Discusses Economic Stimulus
January 22, 2008 | FL
A stimulus package must address the fundamental economic problem: the seize up in credit markets. To do that, it must make credit more available by stimulating the supply-side of the economy and lowering the cost of capital while making it more accessible.

A Taxpayer Protection Amendment - Essential for Prosperity in Florida
December 29, 2007 | FL
Without a Taxpayer Protection Amendment in place, a 'tax cut' is NOT a 'tax cut.' Politicians will simply get the revenue from us elsewhere.

Teaching Common Sense
December 2, 2007 | MO
A stubborn, and disturbingly costly, lawsuit against the State of Missouri continues to be pursued by nearly half of Missouri's 524 public school districts against the State. After years of litigation, and two resounding decisions against the suit this year by Cole County circuit court judge Richard Callahan, the plaintiffs are determined to put taxpayers on the hook for even more than the $3.2 million already spent. Ironically, the point of the suit is to shake down taxpayers for even more money fighting paper tigers.

Voters: Stop on Gas Tax Increases
November 18, 2007 | OR
Oregon voters soundly reject local gas tax hikes, calling into question support for a state gas tax increase

Looking for Those Impacted by the Death Tax
November 14, 2007 | TX
We need to kill the death tax and assure citizens that a lifetime of hard work, savings and investments is passed on to our heirs, not to government. The death tax is the anti-American-Dream tax. If you are willing to weigh in on how this tax impacts you, let us know...

Rewriting History – An Erosion of Our Standards
November 7, 2007 | TX
AFP member Michael Pearce has seen how our tax dollars are spent in education. He taught in public schools for 10 years. While we want a quality education for Texas students, our tax dollars should be directed toward education programs and curriculum which promote appreciation of free enterprise and economic freedom. We asked Mike to review the proposed college readiness curriculum standards and give us his input. Public input is encouraged, and can be submitted until Dec. 10.

Enquirer Guest Column: New Hamilton Co. Jail Would Be Too Expensive
November 4, 2007 | OH
The Cincinnati Enquirer printed a guest column by AFP-Ohio State Director Jack Boyle in Saturday's paper. The opinion editorial focused on the wasteful overspending in the plan.

Wu Earmark Flap Tip of Troubling Iceberg
October 28, 2007 | OR
Defective tee-shirts are only the beginning of this poster child case for the need to eliminate earmarks.

Are Last Year’s “Reformers” Already Breaking Their Campaign Promises?
October 24, 2007 | OH
Earlier this month, I stood with Ohio Congressman John Boehner and more than 1,000 other Americans for Prosperity members at a taxpayer rally in front of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington.

Op-Ed: Election could be expensive for Texas taxpayers by Peggy Venable
October 19, 2007 | TX
Taxpayers, it’s time to open your wallets. November ballot initiatives total almost $10 billion in state spending. School districts are asking for almost $7 billion more in taxes, and local governments are seeking $9 billion in bonds. Texans will be asked to consider shouldering considerable additional public debt with numerous measures on November 6. Currently, the state's outstanding general-obligation bond debt is $7.5 billion. If passed, the state initiatives could more than double that.

State Director Adam Guillette's Speech to the Taxation and Budget Reform Committee in Miami
October 11, 2007 | FL
The time has come for substantial, significant tax reform, similar to what was done in Colorado in 1992. Floridians deserve to approve or deny any new tax increase. They deserve to have their surplus revenue refunded to them, and they deserve government that is limited in its revenue growth.

State Director Adam Guillette's Speech to the Taxation and Budget Reform Committee in Ft. Myers
October 10, 2007 | FL
My name is Adam Guillette, I'm the State Director for Americans for Prosperity, the nation's premier free-market grassroots organization. I'm speaking tonight on behalf of our State Chairman, Dan Quiggle, and on behalf of our thousands of members statewide.

WSJ Opinion Piece Highlights Need for Continued Activism by AFP Members
September 17, 2007 | MI
It's the spending stupid! Michigan's economy can't handle a spending increase!

Taxes in Kansas at an All-Time High
August 14, 2007 | KS
At no other time in the state’s history have state and local governments imposed such a heavy tax burden on Kansas residents. This year, state and local taxes will capture 11.2 percent of the state’s income. The graduated income tax contributes to this all time high by creating a boom of revenue and spending during prosperous economic times. In periods of rapid growth, income tax revenue increases faster than income. Excited by these new funds, legislators increase state spending with new or expanded programs to match. With this boom often comes a bust. In a recession, income tax revenue falls more rapidly than income.

Government doesn't like the competition
August 3, 2007 | TX
We've all seen the bumper stickers "Don't Steal - Government Doesn't Like the Competition." Some in the mainstream media don't like the private sector competiting with the government either.

Michigan Doesn't Need Phone Tax
July 13, 2007 | MI
State Director Amy Hagerstrom published an opinion piece against another "pile-on tax from Lansing" that would affect every resident and business with a telephone in the Lansing State Journal recently.

Weighing in on the State Budget
July 4, 2007 | AZ
At the close of each legislative session, the Arizona Federation of Taxpayers, a state chapter of Americans for Prosperity, sends an assessment of the state budget deal and progress reports on various bills of interest to fiscal conservatives.

Creating or reporting the news?
June 26, 2007 | TX
The Dallas Morning News has moved into the realm of making the news as they recently commissioned a study to review the consumer benefits of the proposed TXU sale. They also wrote a letter “from the editor” saying it is “consultative journalism,” and reporting on their own study in a series of articles. Here is the “truth squad” message: We at AFP believe it remains undisputable that selling the utility to private owners will create more value for the Texas economy and its customers.

Kansas Board of Regents' Broken Window
April 18, 2007 | KS
The Kansas Board of Regents recently released a report entitled the “Economic Impact of Deferred Maintenance Spending at Kansas Board of Regents Universities.” The report, produced by the Docking Institute, concluded that if the legislature appropriated and our Universities spent the entire $727 million deferred maintenance backlog, a veritable economic boom would ensue.

Saving Private Equity; For the sake of prosperity, the Texas legislature should not derail the TXU deal
April 2, 2007 | TX
Undermining the foundation of our free market system by retroactively inserting government agencies into private business agreements is simply bad public policy and sets a dangerous precedent for future investments in Texas.

Tax Consolidation Makes Sense...Saves Cents
March 25, 2007 | TX
Government budget officers everywhere will soon begin amassing volumes of information in preparation of the dreaded annual budget cycle. Find out how they could save lots of YOUR hard earned cash by consolidating their tax collection efforts with other taxing entities.

Two Plans are Too Taxing
March 23, 2007 | IL
AFP's national policy director, Phil Kerpen, wrote in the Chicago Tribune that both the governor's GRT and the income tax hike/swap plan supported by other Democrats, including Mayor Daley, would be misguided with the spending side of the state budget in disarray.

AFP Opposes Legislative Interference with TXU Deal
March 18, 2007 | TX
TXU will create more value for the Texas economy and its shareholders as a private company. The relentless pressure on public companies to meet quarterly earnings targets makes it nearly impossible to make necessary investments in research and development that have long-term payoffs while remaining faithful to shareholder interests.

Gross receipts tax hurts consumers, businesses alike
February 26, 2007 | IL
Rumors about Gov. Rod Blagojevich proposing a gross receipts tax have sent a shock wave of fear through the business community in Illinois, but if anything it’s citizens who should be running scared.

February 6 is an important day to freedom-loving Americans by Peggy Venable
February 4, 2007 | TX
February 6 marks Ronald Reagan’s birthday. He vowed he wouldn’t hold his opponent’s youth and inexperience against him, but he was willing to bring into his Administration Republicans and Democrats who, though inexperienced in government, shared in Reagan’s vision for Americans’ ability to control the size and scope of government. I was fortunate to have been among them.

Taxpayer Funded Lobbying: A National Problem by Phil Kerpen
December 11, 2006 | TX
We know that most taxpayers want smaller government and lower taxes. Decades of polling data consistently show this preference. And yet, government continues to grow larger. Why?

Recommendations for Lobby Disclosure and Transparency of Taxpayer Funded Lobbying by Jan Brauner
December 6, 2006 | TX
In trying to compile a report about the extent of taxpayer funded lobbying for Americans for Prosperity-Texas, I encountered enormous difficulties searching the lobby filing on the Texas Ethics Commission (TEC) website. Ultimately, I discovered that it is virtually impossible to pinpoint the full extent of taxpayer funded lobbying with acceptable accuracy. Here are some of the problems which I encountered.

American Dream Denied!
November 24, 2006 | TX
In preparation for the hearing, I studied a dizzying array of programs in Austin: programs to exposes teenagers to the opera, to increase their self-esteem, to teach teenagers how to accept themselves and other people through laughter, yoga and meditation, to enhance cultural appreciation, to promote expressive arts… …you name it, Austin has a program for it.

Bill Borden Speaks Out in support of Taxpayer Protections at Appraisal Hearing
November 22, 2006 | TX
I support "revenue caps" and the provisions of the TABOR..I believe that "revenue caps"are workable restriction and unlike "appraisal caps," they have few unintended consequences. I think it warrants repeating, "revenue caps" work, "appraisal caps" don't. "Revenue caps" [should be] tied to growth and inflation with a override by a vote of the people, if additional revenues are needed.

"Walking the Walk, Will Democrats keep their promises on spending reform?"
November 20, 2006 | IL
AFP's Tim Phillips on National Review Online

Righting the Republican Ship
November 13, 2006 | SC
The State, November 11, 2006 By: Mike Campbell Tuesday’s political tsunami hit the Republican Party all across America. After 12 years in leadership, the balance of power shifted abruptly, despite the fact that, just two years ago, large majorities were bestowed on the GOP in both houses of Congress and George W. Bush was given four more years as our commander-in-chief. Conservatives now ask, “What happened?” What happened to the party of Ronald Reagan? What happened to less spending and limited government? What happened to the majority we fought so hard to get? Many Republicans in Washington simply fell into the same traps of power and politics that plagued Democrats before them. The words of Lord Acton best describe this situation: “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

Stop Over Spending Op/Ed Piece from Lansing State Journal
November 9, 2006 | MI
Amy Hagerstrom: Legal setback for SOS plan was defeat for Mich. taxpayers

The people of Houston spoke and the Mayor's not listening! by Bob Lemer
November 6, 2006 | TX
Despite all of the incessant slick and deceptive advertising on TV and radio and in the mail in favor of City of Houston Props G and H on the November 7 ballot, a very simple truth remains.

Gub’mint Folks Lobby FOR your money WITH your money
October 15, 2006 | TX
We, at AFP, urge our members to take the time to attend the Appraisal Reform Task Force hearings. As AFP citizen leader, Jeff Sneed noted in a letter to Tom Pauken about the Tyler hearings," I have discovered during my “tax fight” these past five years that county government has the ear of state government much more than taxpayers." He's right! At future hearings, there are sure to be a “rather large” quantity of gub’mint types attending/speaking/dominating/demanding more and more taxpayer funds… Read Jeff's full letter here.

Mike Campbell: Return South Carolina's government to the people
October 2, 2006 | SC
President Reagan once said, "Government is the people's business and every man, woman and child becomes a shareholder with the first penny of tax paid." As any responsible shareholder should do, we taxpayers need to closely monitor if we are getting the greatest return on our investment and hold management (in this case, government officials) accountable when we are not. A major portion of that monitoring should be comparing spending to profitability. In other words, is more money going out than coming in?

Property Tax Revolts and Tax and Spending Limits; by Dr. Barry Poulson
August 23, 2006 | TX
We are witnessing a property tax revolt not unlike that experienced in the 1970s. Homeowners in many states have found their property taxes increasing at double digit rates. Rising property taxes reflect both increasing property values and increasing property tax rates, the latter coming from increased assessments rates and higher property tax rates.

Statement by Peggy Venable, AFP-Texas Director
August 17, 2006 | TX
Most Texas taxpayers woke up this morning and went to work, focused on taking care of their family and paying their taxes. Little do most of them know that right here in Austin, their county officials are meeting – on taxpayer dollars – to strategize on how to defeat a Taxpayer Bill of Rights.

Why Texas Needs a Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights
August 15, 2006 | TX
The Texas state government is now being sued by a taxpayer’s group for exceeding the constitutional limit on the growth in state spending. It is about time. The legislature has exceeded the limit with impunity for decades, but is now being called to task. A judge has dismissed the lawsuit, but that decision is being appealed. Texas citizens might well ask how the state could exceed a constitutional limit on the growth in spending. The explanation is that the existing limit is poorly designed, and the legislature has exploited a number of loopholes to boost spending in excess of the limit.

Why TAC fights a TABOR...
July 20, 2006 | TX
Americans for Prosperity has long advocated a Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR). Under a TABOR, growth of government spending would be constrained to the growth of population plus inflation. Any spending in excess of that metric would require voter approval. Unfortunately, organizations such as the Texas Association of Counties and the Texas Municipal League firmly oppose such a measure, as do most "public servants." They claim that they should not be held to the normal measure of inflation as their costs rise more quickly than the costs in the private sector.

Ending Earmark's Express Tour Demonstrates the Need for a TABOR!
June 28, 2006 | TX
Americans for Prosperity (AFP) has pushed for a Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) which would allow taxing entities’ revenue to grow only proportionate to the population increase and inflation, and any government spending beyond that would require voter approval.-----To read a brief description of the TABOR and find out more about the Ending Earmarks Express Tour ,which begins its Western Swing on July 10th, click on read full text.

An anniversary to cry over!
June 22, 2006 | TX
Private property rights formed the underpinnings of the ideals of our great country and engendered the prosperity we have experienced as a nation. Immigrants flee to this country to escape from despotic governments which willfully seize private property at will, for they have lived through the tragedy that the obscenity of legal theft by government creates. In the US, we are soothed with the pablum that our government only takes people’s homes and businesses when it is for the “greater good” which means whatever the person benefiting from it wants it to mean.

The Travesty of Funding Failing Programs and Why We Need a TABOR!
June 21, 2006 | TX
With the US federal budget approaching a gargantuan $2.8 trillion, taxpayers are justifiably demanding closer scrutiny of the programs upon which their tax money is lavished. Most taxpayers feel that it is eminently reasonable and a minimal requirement for the government to demonstrate that tax money is used for legitimate purposes, that it produces results consistent with the stated goals of programs, and that it does so efficiently.Yet, many in our government do not subscribe to the notion of accountability or responsible spending.

Why we need a TABOR... NOW!!!!!!
June 19, 2006 | TX
Why do we require 342 economic development programs to develop our economy? Why is the list of government agencies so long that it takes eons to simply scroll down the list? Why do we need 72 federal programs to assure that our drinking water is safe? Why is it starkly obvious that a TABOR is needed by just reading a list of government agencies?

Taxpayers Need a TABOR: Figures speak for themselves; by Peggy Venable
June 15, 2006 | TX
Revenues to cities, counties and other taxing districts are up. Those figures speak for themselves: taxing entities are raking in the sales tax bucks – and with rising property tax values, revenues are increasing. Taxpayers have no real relief – without new tax and expenditure limitations!

Random thoughts on poverty spending in the US; by Jan Brauner
June 14, 2006 | TX
The fraction of families living in poverty had dropped from 51 percent in 1936 to 17 percent in 1965. Thus, before the War on Poverty was initiated, we were winning the battle. Yet, in 1993, after spending $5.4 trillion dollars, the poverty rate was higher than the poverty rate in 1960. For inexplicable reasons, we seem enthralled enough by the failure that we keep repeating it at enormous cost. Thinking individuals might deem this repeat of failure as masochistic, the hoping for a different outcome as insanity, and the results as fundamentally flawed.

Why the celebration at the Capitol?
May 31, 2006 | OK
Good Point

Senate holds state hostage
May 24, 2006 | OK
Obstructionism is the surest path to a Republican takeover of the Senate. Morgan's Democrats refuse to consider income tax cuts in a year when the budget surplus is an "illion" with a "B" instead of an "M." This is the best argument yet in support of a taxpayer bill of rights. With enemies like Morgan, TABOR supporters will need fewer friends.

Educator laments having to work with the "raw material" he gets!!!
May 23, 2006 | TX
If the aforementioned educator truly feels that it is unreasonable to expect excellence, he should simply step aside for those who feel it is unreasonable to expect less.

Tax cut foes miss the point - An Oklahoman Editorial
April 28, 2006 | OK
Investment in the future should include structuring a tax environment that attracts and retains people who create jobs and build the economy.

House Passes Spending/Government Growth Limit along Party Lines
April 27, 2006 | OK
On Wednesday, the Oklahoma House Passed SJR 53 right down party lines. The measure basically limits government growth to 6% plus inflation. The current limit is 12% plus inflation. The Oklahoman published this fairly lukewarm editorial on Thursday.

Senate Finance Committee:Testimony by Peggy Venable, Americans for Prosperity-Texas Director; April 24
April 26, 2006 | TX
I am here today to ask that as you consider property tax relief, please put taxpayers first. You are hearing from entities which want to deny taxpayers with safeguards which will allow them to keep their property tax cut. While we at AFP believe that the appropriate way to limit the growth in taxes is through spending limits which would limit the growth of government to population and inflation, and providing for a public vote to spend more; we realize that in some geographic areas, it is necessary to provide appraisal caps for all property. However, we are amazed that some taxpayer-funded organizations are taking the same position as....

Some Emergency - A Daily Oklahoman Editorial
April 20, 2006 | OK
ONE example of the fiscal sleight of hand that goes on in Washington is the larding up of "emergency" spending bills with nonemergency items. It happens every year and is one reason federal spending has increased 45 percent since 2001, to a post-war record of $23,760 per household.

Sooner Supply-Siders
April 10, 2006 | OK
A very interesting editorial from our friends at the WSJ.

Opposing View: VA is at a Fiscal Crossroad
February 13, 2006 | VA
Virginia politicians have spent enough and voters should not enable them to spend more by acquiescing to another tax increase. That’s why Americans for Prosperity supports reforms that will put Virginia on the road to fiscal health while solving the state’s transportation woes.

Closing a Loopy Loophole
January 18, 2006 | WI
As Republicans in Washington scramble to deal with the growing — and related — problems of wasteful pork-barrel spending and questionable lobbying practices, there is one little-discussed solution that would address both issues. Congress should close the loophole that exempts lobbyists for federal, state, and local government agencies from the $50 gift limit that private-sector and not-for-profit lobbyists must observe.

Why Texas Needs a Taxpayer's Bill of Rights
January 9, 2006 | TX
For many years Texas citizens have tried unsuccessfully to constrain the growth of government. A Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights could effectively constrain the growth of government at both the state and local level in Texas.

Taxpayer-funded Lobbying: TAXMAN vs. TAXPAYER
December 15, 2005 | TX
When Thomas Jefferson wrote "To compel a man to furnish funds for the propagation of ideas he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical," he likely had no idea that the practice would become commonplace at state capitols across the country.

Chairman Harris in the Daily Progress
November 21, 2005 | VA
"There is a growing perception of Republicans as the party, in Richmond and Washington, that continues to spend money that it doesn’t have... If Republicans continue to act like Democrats by spending like crazy, then the issue boils down to which party will be ‘reasonable’ enough to raise taxes to keep pace with ever-increasing spending," Harris said.

TABOR and Colorado: A Model of Liberty for Virginia
November 7, 2005 | VA
We in Virginia need to look to the example of Colorado in the coming years. Here, at the birthplace of freedom in America, we need to take the necessary steps to ensure our founders’ vision is adhered to. We as Virginians have come to expect our government to practice the true ideals of liberty—today those ideals can be exemplified by allowing citizens to have a voice in how Richmond spends our money. True freedom and democracy can happen with a Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights in Virginia.

What happened in Colorado?
November 4, 2005 | TX
Recently, a heavily watched election in Colorado proved that fundamental principles put in the hands of taxpayers is a winner every single time! For all the hand wringing about an economic tsunami by TABOR opponents, conservatives proved again that when cooler heads and steady hands prevail, then steady economic progress can be achieved.

TABOR Worked
November 3, 2005 | OK
Truth is, TABOR worked just like it was supposed to work. First, what Coloradoans actually did is vote to make their Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights look more like the improved version that is currently being proposed in Oklahoma. Second, the taxpayers were in control of their government. The taxpayers got to decide how their tax dollars were spent, not big spending politicians or big government advocates.

www.ThisStinks.com
October 19, 2005 | NC
Like any new venture in today's world, the folks over at the lottery commission would like to have a presence on the World Wide Web.

The Most Important Special Interest Group of All
October 12, 2005 | VA
“We hear much of special interest groups. Our concern must be for a special interest group that has been too long neglected. It knows no sectional boundaries or ethnic and racial divisions, and it crosses political party lines… They are, in short, ‘We the people,’ this breed called Americans.”

Defender of the American Dream
October 6, 2005 | NC
AFP-NC, now in its second year of existence, is hosting its first annual citizen and legislative awards banquet Friday night at the Embassy Suites in Cary.

Government Lobbying Shouldn’t Be a Growth Industry
September 30, 2005 | TX
When Thomas Jefferson wrote, "To compel a man to furnish funds for the propagation of ideas he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical," he likely had no idea the practice would become commonplace.

I Hate To Say I Told You So
August 19, 2005 | NC
I hate to say I told you so, but I did, and now we're all going to pay the price -- literally.

The Case Against Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying
August 18, 2005 | TX
Each year, American taxpayers are quietly forced to foot the bill for the lobbying activities of an army of political organizations.

Supreme Court Rules that Homes and Small Business are in Jeopardy
August 17, 2005 | US
How can government take my property only to give it to someone else? The answer: eminent domain.

The Money Crunch
July 14, 2005 | NC
For more than five years, we have heard the politicians complain that our state does not have enough revenue to pay the bills of government. And for five years, a majority of the major newspapers in our state have bought and promoted their spin.

Understanding the Attack on TABOR
June 15, 2005 | CO
For the tax limitation movement, these are the best of times, and the worst of times.

Your American Dream
June 2, 2005 | NC
6/2/05 - by Chris Neeley America was founded on the principle that everyone has a right to freely live out their version of the American dream. Sadly, big government is making it harder for us to achieve our dreams.

Graduating to the Real World
May 19, 2005 | NC
5/19/05 - by Chris Neeley To the graduates of 2005, welcome to the real world -- no not the MTV version -- I'm talking about the real world the rest of us live in.

Education Lobby: All for One and One for All
May 17, 2005 | TX
5/17/05 - by Peggy Venable The education lobby might appear to haunt the Capitol to protect the interests of their members and education in general. But that premise can be challenged when reviewing their positions.

Comparing the Spending Habits of Texas School Districts
May 10, 2005 | TX
5/10/05 - by Amber Tull You may fully expect the smallest districts would be forced to pay the most per student because of the maintenance, operation and building costs. This is mostly true.

House Needs to Cap Local Government Spending
April 22, 2005 | TX
4/22/05 - by Peggy Venable The real emerging struggle this session is between taxpayers and publicly funded entities whose mission is to grow their membership and influence -- on the backs of the taxpayers.

I Couldn't Have Said It Better Myself
April 21, 2005 | NC
4/21/05 - by Chris Neeley Don't believe all the promises the politicians in Raleigh are making on how they will spend newly proposed tobacco tax dollars.

The Lottery Seven
April 14, 2005 | NC
4/13/05 - by Chris Neeley The state senate is poised to vote on a lottery. The billion-dollar question is...will it include tax increases?

You Don't Want This Lottery
March 31, 2005 | NC
The recent pork fund scandal involving House Speaker Jim Black raises serious questions about a proposed lottery in North Carolina.

Federal Reserve Challenges Status Quo Thinking on Education Spending
March 24, 2005 | TX
3/24/05 - by Governor Rick Perry We still have an achievement gap in Texas schools that will be an opportunity gap when today's students become tomorrow's workers.

"Speaker Black, I Gave You My Vote -- Now Give Me a Job!"
March 21, 2005 | NC
3/21/05 - by Chris Neeley It's high time a private sector accounting firm be allowed to enter the doors of government and conduct an audit of every state agency.

To Texas Legislators: Give Us More Education for Our Dollars
March 4, 2005 | TX
3/4/05 - by Amber Tull It appears education funding is a sacred cow and few people are willing to talk about the need for school districts to be better stewards of taxpayers.

Education Reforms Deserve an 'A'
February 23, 2005 | NC
2/23/05 - Peggy Venable Legislators appear to be committed to reforming education as they work to find a finance system which will increase the state's funding and get Texas schools out of the courts.

Is There a Doctor in the House?
February 22, 2005 | NC
2/22/05 - by Chris Neeley I watched Governor Easley's State of the State Address on Monday night and I came away with one thought: I am thankful that Governor Easley is not my doctor.

The Truth About TABOR in Kansas...and Colorado
February 10, 2005 | US
To hear opponents describe it, you'd think TABOR causes everything from natural disasters to male pattern baldness.

Why Not Freedom
January 27, 2005 | NC
1/27/05 - by Chris Neeley Regrettably, political correctness, arrogance of power and liberal thought have taken hold of the reins of government -- costing each of us the very liberties and freedom we want others around the world to embrace.

Taxpayers Need More Rights, Not More Government
January 21, 2005 | TX
1/21/05 - by Peggy Venable In order to be a taxpayer, an individual must first have a job. Let's protect taxpayers with a Taxpayer's Bill of Rights.

Taxpayers Need More Rights, Not More Government
January 21, 2005 | TX
1/21/05 - by Peggy Venable In order to be a taxpayer, an individual must first have a job. Let's protect taxpayers with a Taxpayer's Bill of Rights.

The Spending Spree Must End
January 12, 2005 | NC
1/12/05 - by Chris Neeley Starting this session the legislature and the governor have an opportunity to begin the process of getting our house in order by supporting a real TABOR amendment to limit government spending.

The Spending Spree Must End
January 12, 2005 | NC
1/12/05 - by Chris Neeley Starting this session the legislature and the governor have an opportunity to begin the process of getting our house in order by supporting a real TABOR amendment to limit government spending

Setting the Record Straight (The Denton Record-Chronicle, That Is)
January 5, 2005 | TX
A Record-Chronicle editorial was so busy attacking the legislators and leadership that it not only failed to get the facts right, but not once did it mention the taxpayers.

Ballot Initiatives Run the Gamut from Pork and Subsidies to Spending Limits
October 22, 2004 | TX
10/28/04 - by Peggy Venable Arlington, Austin and Houston residents are each faced with very different ballot initiatives representative of what voters are finding on ballots across the state.

Oklahoma TABOR: Let's Adapt Colorado's Plan
September 15, 2004 | OK
By Barry Poulson and Brandon Dutcher Oklahoma's business leaders worked hard to get right to work and are working hard for tort reform and workers' compensation reform. But if we want to turbocharge the state's economy, an Oklahoma TABOR would be as good or better.