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Campaign Finance

Reform Austin is dedicated to increasing transparency by engaging and educating taxpayers about what goes on behind the doors of our state Capitol. Our mission is to ensure our elected leaders are working for the public good. 
Campaign finance is all about money in politics and the corrupting influence it has. Reform Austin provides investigative reporting on who is funding campaigns, how much candidates are receiving, and how it influences votes. This includes the millions of dollars in special interest cash that pour into campaign coffers, and the lobbyists and political action committees (PACs) who contribute with the expectation that legislators will vote for them, rather than for their constituents. 
Campaign finance reports are filed semi-annually with the Texas Ethics Commission and are made available to the public. During election years, candidates must file two additional pre-election reports: one 30 days prior and one eight days prior to an election. 
These reports are comprised of total political contributions (the total amount of money a candidate or officeholder raised in the last six months), total expenditures (the total amount of money a candidate or officeholder spent in the last six months), and cash on hand (the total amount of money a candidate has to spend).
Contributions tell us who donated to a candidate or officeholder. They often speak to the motivations the person might have should they be elected. 
Reform Austin also reports on legislation, laws, and reforms concerning campaign finance, such as closing loopholes in the moratorium to give taxpayers more confidence in their representatives. Elected officials should be looking out for us, not their big donors.

Special interest gets their money's worth with Tony Dale

Despite attempts in the Legislature to protect consumers, the status quo prevails, thanks to politicians like Tony Dale. When special interest money influences politicians to vote in their contributor’s favor, Texans lose.

How much do out-of-state donations affect Texas campaigns?

Think the Illuminati has a shady hold on Texas campaign finance? Think again. We’ve analyzed all of the state House of Representatives...

Campaign Contributions Kick Off This Week

Few Texans realize the extent of political contributions across the state. Most of the contributions are used for candidates and officeholders to...

What Is Jose Lozano Hiding?

Jose M. Lozano has had trouble coming clean with who’s giving him money.

Tony "Dale for Sale" bought up by special interest money

Tony Dale's votes match up to the interests of his contributors. Is this someone Texans want in Austin?

A look at the finances of the two front runners for Senate District 6

Reform Austin takes a look at the personal financial statements of the two leading candidates in the special election for State Senate District 6.

Texas PACs Lining Up to Spend Heavily in 2020

As an emerging battleground state, Texas is drawing attention and investment. Public officials, party operatives, and the political donor class are all...

How Much Did Gov. Greg Abbott Raise In 2022?

Current Governor Greg Abbott raised less than his opponent Beto O’Rourke, with $24,916,161.73 in the same time frame.His campaign announced that it...

Linda Koop jumps through hoops To please campaign contributors

who is Koop working for - her contributors or the people she is supposed to represent?

Matt Rinaldi doesn't listen to Texans

We won’t get the consumer protection we deserve- on insurance, from utilities, from corporations; As long as the business lobbyists have their deals and willing politicians like Matt Rinaldi.

Campaign Finance Must Read