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{{third-party|date=January 2015}}
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{{Infobox Organization
{{Infobox Organization
| name = Empower Texans
| name = Texans for Fiscal Responsibility
| image = Texans for Fiscal Responsibility logo-clean.png
| image = Texans for Fiscal Responsibility logo-clean.png
| size = 200px
| size = 200px
| formation = 2006
| formation = 2006
| location = Austin, Texas
| location = [[Austin, Texas]]
| region_served = Texas
| region_served = Texas
| abbreviation = TFR
| abbreviation = TFR
Line 22: Line 17:
| owner =
| owner =
| Non-profit_slogan =
| Non-profit_slogan =
| website = http://www.EmpowerTexans.com
| website = {{URL|http://www.empowertexans.com}}
| footnotes =
| footnotes =
}}
}}


'''Texans for Fiscal Responsibility''' (TFR), a project of [[Empower Texans]], is a [[political]] [[advocacy group]] based in [[Austin, Texas|Austin]], [[Texas]]. Founded by [[Michael Quinn Sullivan]], the stated mission of TFR is to "create and sustain a system of strong fiscal stewardship within all levels of Texas government, ensuring the greatest amounts of economic and personal liberty, and promoting public policies that provide individuals with the freedom to use their strengths and talents in pursuit of greater opportunities."<ref name=emtx>{{citation|url=http://www.empowertexans.com/about|publisher=EmpowerTexans.com}}</ref> TFR is a [[non profit]] organization and files as a 501c(4).
'''Texans for Fiscal Responsibility''' (TFR), a project of [[Empower Texans]], is a conservative [[political]] [[advocacy group]] based in [[Austin, Texas]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Reynolds|first1=John|title=Suit Over Spoof PAC Ends With Apology|url=https://www.texastribune.org/2014/03/28/suit-over-spoof-pac-ends-apology/|accessdate=14 January 2015|publisher=Texas Tribune|date=March 28, 2014}}</ref> Founded by [[Michael Quinn Sullivan]], the stated mission of TFR is to "create and sustain a system of strong fiscal stewardship within all levels of Texas government, ensuring the greatest amounts of economic and personal liberty, and promoting public policies that provide individuals with the freedom to use their strengths and talents in pursuit of greater opportunities."<ref>{{cite web|title=About Us|url=http://www.empowertexans.com/about/|publisher=Empower Texans|accessdate=14 January 2015}}</ref> TFR is a [[nonprofit]] organization and files as a [[501(c) organization#501(c)(4)|501c(4)]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Flahive|first1=Paul|title=The Source: Tracking The "Unlobbyists"|url=http://tpr.org/post/source-tracking-unlobbyists|accessdate=14 January 2015|publisher=Texas Public Radio|date=March 31, 2014}}</ref>

According to ''[[Texas Monthly]]'', TFR is "one of the most influential advocacy groups in Austin" due to the group's Fiscal Responsibility Index, a scorecard the group uses to grade legislators according to how well they protect the interests of taxpayers, and the Taxpayer Pledge, which is signed by lawmakers who promise not to raise taxes.<ref name=monthly>{{cite news|last1=Blakeslee|first1=Nate|title=Primary Targets|url=http://www.texasmonthly.com/story/primary-targets|accessdate=14 January 2015|publisher=Texas Monthly|date=January 2013}}</ref>


==Mission==
==Mission==
TFR advocates for limited government via reduced taxation and greater public accountability.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Batheja|first1=Aman|title=A Big Spender Aims to Push State Politics Further Right|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/11/us/a-big-spender-aims-to-push-state-politics-further-right.html|accessdate=14 January 2015|publisher=New York Times|date=May 10, 2014}}</ref> The group has been described as trying to "purge the GOP establishment."<ref>{{cite news|title=Texan of the Year finalist: Michael Quinn Sullivan|url=http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/editorials/20141223-texan-of-the-year-finalist-michael-quinn-sullivan.ece|accessdate=14 January 2015|publisher=Dallas Morning News|date=December 23, 2014}}</ref>
==Activities==
The group's three main activities are the creation of an annual Fiscal Responsibility Index, which is a scorecard the group uses to grade legislators according to how well they protect the interests of taxpayers; the production of the Taxpayer Pledge, which is signed by lawmakers who promise not to raise taxes; and the publication of ''Texas Scorecard'', a print and online news magazine about Texas politics.<ref>{{cite web|title=About|url=http://www.empowertexans.com/news/|website=Texas Scorecard|publisher=Empower Texans|accessdate=4 January 2016}}</ref><ref name=monthly/><ref>{{cite news|last1=Garrett|first1=Robert|title=Fiscal gadfly explains endorsements: D students, have hope!|url=http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com/2013/11/fiscal-gadfly-explains-endorsements-d-students-have-hope.html/|accessdate=14 January 2015|publisher=Dallas Morning News|date=November 19, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Michels|first1=Patrick|title=Parent PAC Seeks Vengeance At the Polls|url=http://www.texasobserver.org/parent-pac-seeks-vengeance-at-the-polls/|accessdate=14 January 2015|publisher=Texas Observer|date=May 29, 2012}}</ref> TFR sends mailers to voters informing them of the score their legislator received on TFR's Fiscal Responsibility Index.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Kronberg|first1=Harvey|title=Mailers sent targeting low performers on TFR Fiscal Responsibility Report Card|url=http://www.quorumreport.com/Quorum_Report_Daily_Buzz_2013/updated__mailers_sent_targeting_low_performers_on__buzziid20922.html|accessdate=14 January 2015|publisher=Quorum Report|date=September 16, 2013}}</ref> The group hands out "Taxpayer Champion Awards" to legislators who score well on TFR's Fiscal Responsibility Index.<ref>{{cite news|title=Landtroop receives endorsement|url=http://www.myplainview.com/news/article_7bd86104-2151-11e1-a65e-0019bb2963f4.html|publisher=Plainview Herald|date=December 8, 2011}}</ref>


In 2007, TFR pushed to return most of the state's $15.5 billion surplus to taxpayers.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Fikac|first1=Peggy|title=Texas Legislature has more money, more options|url=http://www.chron.com/news/article/Texas-Legislature-has-more-money-more-options-1838369.php|accessdate=14 January 2015|publisher=Houston Chronicle|date=January 2, 2007}}</ref>
TFR contends that, "If government and taxes are allowed to grow without restraint, the economy will contract, thereby limiting opportunities for all Texans." [http://www.empowertexans.com/about]


A 2012 poll of Republican primary voters commissioned by the liberal [[Burnt Orange Report]] found that 83% consider the endorsement of Sullivan's group "Very Important" or "Quite Important."<ref name=BOR>{{citation|title=BOR POLL: Republican Primary Voters Support Right-Wing Anti-Government Perspective|publisher=Burnt Orange Report|url=http://www.burntorangereport.com/diary/12310/bor-poll-republican-primary-voters}}</ref>
The [[State Policy Network]] stated that, "TFR will promote a series of budget and tax reforms, including: reducing the impact of the new business tax; reforming the spending cap; protecting "dedicated" revenues for their designed purposes; requiring lawmakers to provide greater budget detail; enacting reforms to the current appraisal system; and, promoting transparency in spending."{{citation needed|date=July 2013}}

==Publications and projects==

* Weekly publications
** TFR releases weekly email newsletters chiefly outlining government policy that has economic implications at the state level.[http://www.empowertexans.com/commentaries].
** In addition, TFR is frequently quoted in print media sources in major Texas markets such as the ''[[Houston Chronicle]]'', ''[[Dallas Morning News]]'', and the ''[[Austin American Statesman]]''. See reference section for print articles.
* 80th Legislative session
** TFR engaged in direct mailing efforts [http://www.marshallnewsmessenger.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/capitolpressreleases/entries/2007/01/22/texans_for_fiscal_responsibili.html] calling on Legislators to return a tax surplus that was in excess of $13 billion.
** TFR worked to uphold reforms to the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) [http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/4614948.html]
* Scorecard
** After the conclusion of the Texas's 80th Legislative session TFR released a voting scorecard for both the upper and lower chambers
** TFR looked at bills authorship, co-authorship, sponsors and each Legislator's vote to compile the scorecards. Bills that increased or reduced taxes, bills that created taxing entities, and those that created greater or less transparency were analyzed. A complete description of the methodology used to compile these scorecards can be found on TFR's website.
** After the 83rd Session, TFR mailed report cards into legislators districts showing their grades on the Fiscal Responsibility Index.<ref name=qr>{{citation|title=MAILERS SENT TARGETING LOW PERFORMERS ON TFR FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT CARD|publisher=Quorum Report|url=http://www.quorumreport.com/Quorum_Report_Daily_Buzz_2013/updated__mailers_sent_targeting_low_performers_on__buzziid20922.html}}</ref>
* Multimedia Events
** Tele town hall meetings were also hosted by TFR with guests [[Carl Isett]] R-Lubbock and Gov. [[Rick Perry]]
** Michael Quinn Sullivan conducted several radio interviews on a wide range of topics
** [[Governor of Texas|Governor]] [[Rick Perry]] and Michael Quinn Sullivan hosted a joint press conference presenting constituent mail to Legislators
* In November 2007 TFR spoke out against several ballot initiatives, including the creation of a Cancer Research Fund


==Board of directors==
==Board of directors==
The members of the board of directors are [[Tim Dunn]], Luke Dunn, Lee Dunn, and Michael Quinn Sullivan.
The members of the board of directors are [[Tim Dunn]], Luke Dunn, Lee Dunn, and [[Michael Quinn Sullivan]].


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

*''[[Houston Chronicle]]'' Position Article [http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/4614948.html]
*Posting of [[Tan Parker]] endorsement [http://capitolannex.com/2007/03/16/right-wing-group-to-honor-only-lawmaker-to-vote-against-tearing-down-permanant-wall-keeping-kids-off-chip/][http://lonestartimes.com/2007/03/08/bucking-the-trend/]
*Published mission statement [http://www.spn.org/directory/orgid.295/org_detail.asp]
*Marshal Newspaper Article 1/22/07 [http://www.marshallnewsmessenger.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/capitolpressreleases/entries/2007/01/22/texans_for_fiscal_responsibili.html]
*Carl Isett telephone town hall meeting [http://www.rickperry.org/audio/TFR-Isett-ConfCall.mp3]
*Budget Reform Piece [http://www.mysanantonio.com/opinion/letters/stories/MYSA042907.05H.sullivan.24919cb.html]


==External links==
==External links==
* YouTube video: Joint press conference with Gov. Rick Perry [http://youtube.com/watch?v=kD_X9T1NcaY]
* [http://youtube.com/watch?v=kD_X9T1NcaY YouTube video: Joint press conference with Gov. Rick Perry]
* Empower Texans web site [http://www.empowertexans.com]
* [http://www.empowertexans.com Official website]


{{DEFAULTSORT:Texans For Fiscal Responsibility}}
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[[Category:Advocacy groups]]
[[Category:Advocacy groups]]
[[Category:Non-profit organizations based in Texas]]
[[Category:Non-profit organizations based in Texas]]
[[Category:Conservatism in the United States]]

Revision as of 20:46, 4 January 2016

Texans for Fiscal Responsibility
AbbreviationTFR
Formation2006
TypeTaxpayer Advocacy
Location
Region served
Texas
President
Michael Quinn Sullivan
Websitewww.empowertexans.com

Texans for Fiscal Responsibility (TFR), a project of Empower Texans, is a conservative political advocacy group based in Austin, Texas.[1] Founded by Michael Quinn Sullivan, the stated mission of TFR is to "create and sustain a system of strong fiscal stewardship within all levels of Texas government, ensuring the greatest amounts of economic and personal liberty, and promoting public policies that provide individuals with the freedom to use their strengths and talents in pursuit of greater opportunities."[2] TFR is a nonprofit organization and files as a 501c(4).[3]

According to Texas Monthly, TFR is "one of the most influential advocacy groups in Austin" due to the group's Fiscal Responsibility Index, a scorecard the group uses to grade legislators according to how well they protect the interests of taxpayers, and the Taxpayer Pledge, which is signed by lawmakers who promise not to raise taxes.[4]

Mission

TFR advocates for limited government via reduced taxation and greater public accountability.[5] The group has been described as trying to "purge the GOP establishment."[6]

Activities

The group's three main activities are the creation of an annual Fiscal Responsibility Index, which is a scorecard the group uses to grade legislators according to how well they protect the interests of taxpayers; the production of the Taxpayer Pledge, which is signed by lawmakers who promise not to raise taxes; and the publication of Texas Scorecard, a print and online news magazine about Texas politics.[7][4][8][9] TFR sends mailers to voters informing them of the score their legislator received on TFR's Fiscal Responsibility Index.[10] The group hands out "Taxpayer Champion Awards" to legislators who score well on TFR's Fiscal Responsibility Index.[11]

In 2007, TFR pushed to return most of the state's $15.5 billion surplus to taxpayers.[12]

A 2012 poll of Republican primary voters commissioned by the liberal Burnt Orange Report found that 83% consider the endorsement of Sullivan's group "Very Important" or "Quite Important."[13]

Board of directors

The members of the board of directors are Tim Dunn, Luke Dunn, Lee Dunn, and Michael Quinn Sullivan.

References

  1. ^ Reynolds, John (March 28, 2014). "Suit Over Spoof PAC Ends With Apology". Texas Tribune. Retrieved 14 January 2015.
  2. ^ "About Us". Empower Texans. Retrieved 14 January 2015.
  3. ^ Flahive, Paul (March 31, 2014). "The Source: Tracking The "Unlobbyists"". Texas Public Radio. Retrieved 14 January 2015.
  4. ^ a b Blakeslee, Nate (January 2013). "Primary Targets". Texas Monthly. Retrieved 14 January 2015.
  5. ^ Batheja, Aman (May 10, 2014). "A Big Spender Aims to Push State Politics Further Right". New York Times. Retrieved 14 January 2015.
  6. ^ "Texan of the Year finalist: Michael Quinn Sullivan". Dallas Morning News. December 23, 2014. Retrieved 14 January 2015.
  7. ^ "About". Texas Scorecard. Empower Texans. Retrieved 4 January 2016.
  8. ^ Garrett, Robert (November 19, 2013). "Fiscal gadfly explains endorsements: D students, have hope!". Dallas Morning News. Retrieved 14 January 2015.
  9. ^ Michels, Patrick (May 29, 2012). "Parent PAC Seeks Vengeance At the Polls". Texas Observer. Retrieved 14 January 2015.
  10. ^ Kronberg, Harvey (September 16, 2013). "Mailers sent targeting low performers on TFR Fiscal Responsibility Report Card". Quorum Report. Retrieved 14 January 2015.
  11. ^ "Landtroop receives endorsement". Plainview Herald. December 8, 2011.
  12. ^ Fikac, Peggy (January 2, 2007). "Texas Legislature has more money, more options". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved 14 January 2015.
  13. ^ BOR POLL: Republican Primary Voters Support Right-Wing Anti-Government Perspective, Burnt Orange Report

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Texans_for_Fiscal_Responsibility&oldid=698232858"