Government
BY SAM SCHAFFER
Liberty Hill opposes bill that would limit lawmakers advocacy not spend public funds to” work with a person who must register as a lobbyist or to pay a nonpro t that “primarily represents political subdivisions,” or that works with people required to register as lobbyists. Dig deeper "We, as City O cials, depend upon professional advocates … just like we depend upon engineers and contractors who are experts
Liberty Hill City Council authorized the city man- ager to send a letter in opposition to Texas Senate Bill 19, which the city manager said would limit the city’s ability to function and advocate for itself. What’s going on? SB 19 would prohibit cities from spending public funds on professional advocacy, according to a draft of the letter written by City Manager Paul Branden- burg. Additionally, the draft stated the bill would stop cities from joining nonpro t state associations or organizations that work with professional advocates. “In our view, this will prevent local o cials from being able to e ectively advocate for our residents on important issues that impact their daily lives,” the draft continued. The bill was sent to the Texas House of Repre- sentatives from the Senate on March 20, according to the state. It reads, “A political subdivision may
in designing and building water systems and roads" PAUL BRANDENBURG, CITY MANAGER
At its March 12 meeting, City Council heard a presentation from Brandenburg on sending the letter opposing SB 19 to the Texas Legislature. He explained the city pays to be a member of the Texas Municipal League, which provides various services to the city, including help with training city sta and analyzing the thousands of bills that are led each legislative session. Brandenburg noted the TML has paid lobbyists. “If SB 19 as written goes through, we would not be able to participate in TML any longer,” he said. SB 19 was introduced by Texas Senator Mayes Middleton, according to a draft of Brandenburg’s letter of opposition.
Consequences of SB 19 • Prohibits cities from spending public funds on professional advocacy • Stops cities from joining nonpro its that work with professional advocates • Lessens the ability for cities to advocate for themselves and conduct daily operations
SOURCE: CITY OF LIBERTY HILL COMMUNITY IMPACT
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E ER
TARA LEDAY DIANA PHILLIPS ARA LEDAY DIANA PHILLIPS
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cker ley er ger ht ey io Clark stelman
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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION
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