Texans for Fiscal Responsibility
 | |
| Abbreviation | TFR |
|---|---|
| Formation | 2006 |
| Type | Taxpayer Advocacy |
| Location | |
Region served | Texas |
President | Michael Quinn Sullivan |
| Website | www |
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.[4][7][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
- ^ Reynolds, John (March 28, 2014). "Suit Over Spoof PAC Ends With Apology". Texas Tribune. Retrieved 14 January 2015.
- ^ "About Us". Empower Texans. Retrieved 14 January 2015.
- ^ Flahive, Paul (March 31, 2014). "The Source: Tracking The "Unlobbyists"". Texas Public Radio. Retrieved 14 January 2015.
- ^ a b Blakeslee, Nate (January 2013). "Primary Targets". Texas Monthly. Retrieved 14 January 2015.
- ^ Batheja, Aman (May 10, 2014). "A Big Spender Aims to Push State Politics Further Right". New York Times. Retrieved 14 January 2015.
- ^ "Texan of the Year finalist: Michael Quinn Sullivan". Dallas Morning News. December 23, 2014. Retrieved 14 January 2015.
- ^ "About". Texas Scorecard. Empower Texans. Retrieved 4 January 2016.
- ^ Garrett, Robert (November 19, 2013). "Fiscal gadfly explains endorsements: D students, have hope!". Dallas Morning News. Retrieved 14 January 2015.
- ^ Michels, Patrick (May 29, 2012). "Parent PAC Seeks Vengeance At the Polls". Texas Observer. Retrieved 14 January 2015.
- ^ Kronberg, Harvey (September 16, 2013). "Mailers sent targeting low performers on TFR Fiscal Responsibility Report Card". Quorum Report. Retrieved 14 January 2015.
- ^ "Landtroop receives endorsement". Plainview Herald. December 8, 2011.
- ^ Fikac, Peggy (January 2, 2007). "Texas Legislature has more money, more options". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved 14 January 2015.
- ^ BOR POLL: Republican Primary Voters Support Right-Wing Anti-Government Perspective, Burnt Orange Report