IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Most legislators receive failing grade on anti-toll Report Card
Both bills filed and bills that moved meant bad news for taxpayers, drivers
Austin, Texas - Anti-toll watchdog group Texans Uniting for Reform and Freedom (TURF) released its Report Card from the 86th Legislature today. In comparison to the prior session in 2017, where 57% of legislators were considered friendly, in 2019, that number fell to just 19% (based on the number of lawmakers who earned 'A's & 'B's). TURF used 18 different transportation, property rights, and good government bills (that impact those first two issues) to calculate each legislator's score, all of which are listed at the end of its Report Card. Every lawmaker was informed of TURF's position on the bill prior to the vote.
The Texas House went off a cliff in terms of friendly legislators, with 73% earning a failing grade. In the Texas Senate, taxpayers fared much better with 45% of senators earning As & Bs. Just 16 total lawmakers earned an 'A.' Compare that to 56 lawmakers in 2017, and anti-toll voters have cause for concern.
"While none of our anti-toll reform bills ever got a vote either in committee or on the floor this session, the bills that did move were a disaster for taxpayers. The House Transportation Committee, including most every Republican, clearly wanted to raise your taxes on driving with six bills to increase fines & fees whether registration fees, local sales tax, or traffic fines in 'safety corridors,'" points out TURF Founder/Director Terri Hall.
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