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Ed Thompson — Republican State Representative for Texas District 29 (official headshot)

Ed Thompson Voting Record & Scorecard | National Democrat Platform

TX Representative

District: 29 • Republican

2023 DEM Alignment:

53.93%

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Voting Alignment with DEM Platform – by Chapter

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Provided by Transparency USA

Rep. Ed Thompson (R-TX-29) earned a 54% National Democrat Platform score for 2023, showing moderate alignment with Democratic Party Platform principles. Ed Thompson voted on 89 of the 118 substantive bills scored by Dem Platform in 2023. Ed Thompson represents the 29th District in the Texas House of Representatives.

Title

Lawmaker Position

HB 1House 20231x

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending Through a $321.3 Billion Budget (21.3% Increase) with Countless Provisions that Further Grow the Size and Scope of Government.

Against DEMs
This bill, the Fiscal Years 2024-2025 Operating Budget, represents a 21.3% increase over the prior budget, and the largest in state history. Some of the major new and increased spending initiatives within the bill include $1 billion for land acquisition for parks (3603.7% increase over the $27 million appropriated in the previous budget), an additional $100 million for the Texas Water Development Board Economically Distressed Areas Program, and $45.9 billion for business and economic development (25.8% increase). Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as the budget is chock-full of countless wasteful and unnecessary spending initiatives which directly violate limited government principles and far exceed the basic and necessary functions of government. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, as, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country. Democratic lawmakers who opposed the bill for not containing even greater levels of spending were recording as opposing the limited government position.
HB 100 (Amd. #1)House 20231x

Protecting Taxpayers and Promoting Student Success by Ensuring School Funding is Directed to Teachers Instead of Wasteful Administration.

With DEMs
The Harrison and Leo-Wilson amendment #1 to a public school funding bill. This amendment provides that a school district is only eligible to receive the basic allotment funding if more than 50% of the district''s maintenance and operations expenditures the previous school year were spent on salaries and benefits for full-time teachers. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this amendment is designed to ensure school districts are using taxpayer funds to provide the best education possible for students, rather than wasting funds on administrative and other unnecessary expenses.
HB 1058House 20231x

Expanding Cronyism and Diluting the Tax Base Through Additional Subsidies under the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program.

Against DEMs
This bill provides additional state subsidies ($25 million) to builders and purchasers of housing under the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. The LIHTC program subsidizes the acquisition, new construction, and rehabilitation of affordable rental housing for low- and moderate-income tenants. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as all state and local tax codes should be constructed in a broadly applied manner with as low of rates as possible for everyone. This and other central planning and tax cronyism schemes merely dilute the tax base which results in higher taxes on all other individuals and businesses to make up for the lost revenue. Instead, lawmakers should make housing truly "affordable" by working to eliminate excessive building and zoning mandates as well as work to cut property taxes by reducing spending.
HB 12House 20231x

Increasing Government Dependency and Ballooning Medicaid Welfare Spending by an Additional $381 Million by Hiking Postpartum Benefits from 60 Days to 12 Months.

Against DEMs
This bill extends the duration of postpartum coverage provided under Medicaid (government-provided healthcare) from 60 days to 1 year, which is estimated to cost an additional $381 million over the next five years. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this bill further grows government dependency under the state''s Medicaid welfare program. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
HB 1243House 20231x

Strengthening Election Integrity by Increasing the Penalty for Knowingly Engaging in Voting Fraud.

With DEMs
This bill increases penalties on individuals who knowingly engage in vote fraud, such as voting more than once in an election or impersonates another person when submitting a ballot. Under the bill, the penalty is increased from a Class A misdemeanor to a Felony of the Second Degree, which can carry a 2 to 20 year prison sentence. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as maintaining strong safeguards against voter fraud are critical aspects of ensuring free and fair elections, an essential component of democracy under our nation''s constitutional republic.
HB 1287House 20231x

Growing Government Dependency by Increasing the Vehicle Asset Allowance Under the SNAP Welfare Program from $15k to $22.5k.

Against DEMs
This bill provides an increase in the vehicle asset allowance under the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP). As a result, an individual may now own a vehicle valued at up to $22,500 (previously $15,000) and still be eligible for the welfare program. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this measure further grows government dependency, which oftentimes leads to intergenerational poverty. Instead of increasing welfare eligibility, lawmakers should work to reduce government barriers to employment and help empower the private sector to care for individuals who are in need.
HB 1391House 20231x

Reducing Employment Barriers and Expanding Competition through an Alternative Licensing Pathway for Electricians.

With DEMs
This bill creates an additional alternative pathway for electricians to obtain an occupational license. Under the bill, an aspiring electrician may complete a career and technology education program as opposed to the 4,000 hours of training otherwise required. These programs can be offered by public or private schools and colleges and universities. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this bill serves as a step in the right direction to reducing unnecessary employment barriers. Ultimately, the private sector, via certifications, rating systems, and the free market, is much better equipped to provide consumer protection while also ensuring competition and low consumer costs. Most government licensing entities are overly restrictive and are largely advocated by special interests seeking to restrict competition in the marketplace.
HB 1515House 20231x

Fueling Tens of Millions in Wasteful Spending by Extending the Unnecessary Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office for Another 12 Years.

Against DEMs
This bill extends the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office for an additional 12 years, until September 2035. This office is focused on "marketing and promoting the state of Texas." Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as promoting tourism is not a core nor necessary function of government. The free-market and private industry - not central planning by government bureaucrats - is many times more effective in attracting visitors to the state and growing the economy.
HB 1595House 20231x

Raiding the State''s Rainy Day Fund to Channel over $3.4 Billion in Additional Funding to Woke Universities.

Against DEMs
This bill serves as the enabling legislation for constitutional amendment HJR 3. Through this bill and the constitutional amendment, a $3.4 billion research endowment is created for Texas State University, Texas Tech University, the University of Houston and the University of North Texas. The funds for the bill will come from the state''s Economic Stabilization Fund, commonly referred to as the "rainy day" fund. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as any excessive monies within the state''s rainy-day fund should be returned to taxpayers through tax cuts, not woke universities. While it is a necessary role for government to provide quality K-12 education - ideally through school choice - college and university-level education should be funded through user fees (i.e. tuition) by those who wish to pursue their selected career path. These enormous costs should not be imposed on individuals who elect to pursue activities other than higher education, such as those who start their own businesses or work in the trades.
HB 1614House 20231x

Growing Government Dependency and Wealth Redistribution through the Creation of a New "Free" Pre-K and Childcare Program Delivered through Community Providers.

With DEMs
This bill creates the "Prekindergarten Community-Based Child-Care Partnership Grant Program" to provide grants to school districts for pre-K and childcare services delivered through community providers. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this measure further grows government dependency. Instead of forcing taxpayers to pay for the childcare costs of other individuals, lawmakers should advance de-regulatory policies across the childcare industry to lower costs and expand competition. This free-market approach is the best way to make childcare more affordable.
HB 17House 20231x

Strengthening Public Safety by Allowing Courts to Remove Rogue DAs which Refuse to Prosecute Crime.

With DEMs
This bill allows courts to remove district attorneys for misconduct if they refuse to prosecute certain types of crime. The bill is largely in response to cases of "reform-minded" prosecutors that have refused to prosecute crime or uphold the state''s abortion laws. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as ensuring public safety and protecting property rights serve as essential components of government. Unfortunately, this bill is necessary to combat many of the so-called criminal justice "reforms" which have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced in state legislatures by George Soros and other radical-left billionaires through their funding of advocacy organizations on both sides of the political aisle.
HB 1750House 20231x

Protecting Farmers from Government Overreach by Preventing Local Governments from Imposing Additional Regulations on the Agricultural Industry.

With DEMs
The bill prevents localities from imposing additional regulations on farmers and ranchers engaging in agricultural operations. Under the bill, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is directed to develop a list of "generally accepted agricultural practices" that do not pose a threat to public health, which cities also may not prohibit or restrict. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this bill strengthens property rights by combatting overreaching local regulations. While some may argue this bill undermines "local control", our founding fathers only recognized three entities within the U.S. Constitution - federal government, state government, and the individual. It is not the role for any level of government to unduly infringe the rights of individuals, therefore making preemption measures, such as this bill, necessary.
HB 1755House 20231x

Fueling Runaway Spending and Enriching Government-Favored Educational Entities through the Creation of the "Lone Star Workforce Future Fund".

Against DEMs
This bill creates the "Lone Star Workforce of the Future Fund" which provides grants to select public junior colleges, technical institutes, and nonprofits for workforce training programs. The bill allows the grants to be utilized for a wide range of purposes including staff salaries and curriculum development, with entities eligible to receive a grant of up to $15,000 per participant. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as the free market - not central planning by government bureaucrats - is best equipped to determine the most in-demand career fields and direct resources to the most effective training entities. This measure merely enriches government-favored entities (some which may be ineffective) while further increasing out-of-control spending.
HB 1759House 20231x

Strengthening Individual Liberties and Charitable Giving by Authorizing Professional Sports Team Charitable Foundations to Offer Raffle Tickets Online.

Against DEMs
This bill allows professional sports team charitable foundations to sell raffle tickets at their home venue or rodeo venue through a website or mobile application, provided the person is physically located at the venue. The bill also requires the use of a third-party vendor to ensure nobody under 18 purchases tickets. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this measure strengthens individual liberties and helps expand charitable giving. While the bill should expand the raffle ticket offerings to individuals beyond just the physical location, the bill still serves as a strong step in the right direction.
HB 1760House 20231x

Strengthening Self-Defense and Second Amendment Rights by Limiting School "Gun-Free Zones" to Only School-Owned Property.

With DEMs
This bill amends the existing state law which prohibits firearms on school grounds or buildings when a school-sponsored activity is taking place. Under this bill, the "gun free zone" only applies to the actual premises owned by a school (not off-campus locations). Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as "gun free zones" do not protect communities, rather they place individuals in defenseless positions against criminals who do not abide by the law. While the restriction should be eliminated entirely, this measure serves as a step in the right direction.
HB 1805House 20231x

Strengthening Medical Freedom and Reducing Addiction by Permitting Physicians to Prescribe Low-THC Cannabis in Cases where Opioids would Otherwise be Prescribed.

Against DEMs
This bill expands the list of medical conditions for which a physician may prescribe low-THC cannabis (medical marijuana). Under the bill, physicians who would otherwise prescribe a patient an opioid could now prescribe cannabis. The bill also increases the maximum dosage that may be prescribed by replacing the 1% THC cap with a 10-milligram cap. Texas'' medical marijuana program is currently among the strictest in the nation. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this bill strengthens medical freedom by ensuring physicians - not politicians - are able to determine and provide the most effective treatment for their patients. The bill also helps combat the addiction crisis currently plaguing our nation.
HB 1825House 20231x

Expanding Individual Liberties and Tax Revenue by Allowing the Sale and Consumption of Alcohol at a Fine Arts Performing Venue in Arlington.

With DEMs
This bill permits the Arlington Independent School District to allow the sale and consumption of alcohol at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts facility. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this bill expands consumer choice and individual liberties while also generating additional sales tax revenue for taxpayers.
HB 1859House 20231x

Reducing Employment Barriers and Expanding Competition Through an Alternative Licensing Pathway for HVAC Technicians.

With DEMs
This bill amends the licensing requirements for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) technicians by establishing an alternative pathway to become licensed. The bill recognizes completion of a career and technology education program at a public school or institution of higher education as satisfying the certification training program requirements for licensure. The bill also provides for a waiver of any renewal fee and reduction in the number of required continuing education hours for technicians who provide instruction in a career and technology education program. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this bill serves as a step in the right direction to reducing unnecessary employment barriers. Ultimately, the private sector, via certifications, rating systems, and the free market, is much better equipped to provide consumer protection while also ensuring competition and low consumer costs. Most government licensing entities are overly restrictive and are largely advocated by special interests seeking to restrict competition in the marketplace.
HB 19House 20231x

Improving the State''s Business Climate by Creating a Specialized Business Court to Hear Cases and Expedite Legal Proceedings.

With DEMs
This bill establishes a specialized "Business Court" to hear cases involving certain business transaction and governance matters, with the judges appointed by the Governor. Judges are required to have at least 10 years of experience practicing complex civil business litigation or business transaction law, or as a judge of a court with civil jurisdiction. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this bill will help improve the state''s legal and business climate by making the legal process more efficient, reducing legal expenses for businesses, and also cut the caseload on other courts.
HB 1942House 20231x

Strengthening Individual Liberties and Lowering Property Taxes by Legalizing Online Sports Betting.

Against DEMs
This bill, the Texas Sports and Entertainment Recovery Act, legalizes online sports betting. Under the bill, Texas would join neighboring states Arkansas and Louisiana which have legalized sports gambling. The bill imposes a 15% tax on adjusted gross wagering revenue, with some of the revenue utilized for addiction treatment and all remaining funds dedicated to property tax relief. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as individuals - not bureaucrats - should have decision rights over how to utilize the fruits of their labor - even when it comes to risky endeavors such as betting. Not only does this measure provide desperately needed property tax relief which will make housing more affordable, but it also helps eliminate the financial fraud and other significant societal harms that the current black market in gambling presents to Texans.
HB 1 (Amd. 2 - SS4)House 20231x

Blocking School Choice by Removing the Provision Creating Educational Savings Accounts from the Education Bill.

Against DEMs
The Raney amendment #2 to the education omnibus bill. This amendment removes the school choice provision from the bill which provides voucher-like educational savings accounts (ESAs). Each qualifying student would receive an ESA with $10,500 towards private or parochial school tuition. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this amendment worsens educational outcomes for all students by blocking competition and a market in education, which encourages schools to provide the best education so they can attract parents to enroll their child and receive the associated funding.
HB 2House 20231x

Protecting Homeowners and Businesses from Spiking Property Taxes by Limiting Annual Property Assessment Increases.

With DEMs
This bill, the Property Tax Relief Act, contains a couple key provisions designed to limit increases in property taxes. Most notably, the bill lowers the appraisal cap from 10% to 5% and would expand the cap to also include business property owners, such as restaurants and apartment complexes, rather than just residential. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this bill helps protect homeowners and businesses from even greater levels of taxation. While this bill serves as a step in the right direction, lawmakers should advance additional reforms to provide broad-based property tax relief, which will help spur economic growth.
HB 2026House 20231x

Growing Government Central Planning and Runaway Spending by Forcing Taxpayers to Pay Off the Student Loan Debt of Veterinarians in Additional Regions of the State.

Against DEMs
This bill expands the Rural Veterinarian Incentive Program, which provides taxpayer-funded loan repayment to veterinary students and recent graduates who agree to work in counties with populations below 150,000. Previously, eligibility was limited to counties with populations below 100,000. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as the free market - not central planning by politicians - is the best mechanism to determine the need and distribution of veterinarians across the state. Taxpayers in urban areas should not be forced to subsidize the amenities of individuals who choose to locate in rural or other portions of the state where veterinarians may not be as accessible.
HB 2127House 20231x

Combatting Government Overreach by Prohibiting Local Governments from Imposing Additional Regulations on Certain Sectors.

With DEMs
This bill, the Texas Regulatory Consistency Act, prohibits local governments across the state from imposing additional regulations in various fields already regulated at the state level, such as agriculture, labor, and property. The bill also prohibits local governments from enacting any ordinance or rule that conflicts with state law. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this bill strengthens both property rights and individual liberties. While some may argue this bill undermines "local control", our founding fathers only recognized three entities within the U.S. Constitution - federal government, state government, and the individual. It is not the role for any level of government to unduly infringe the rights of individuals, therefore making preemption measures, such as this bill, necessary.
HB 2209House 20231x

Forcing Taxpayers to Pay up to $5 Million Annually for a New Rural College and Career Pathways Program.

Against DEMs
This bill establishes the Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership Program to "expand opportunities for underserved students to succeed in school and life while promoting economic development in rural areas." The bill provides up to $5 million in funding annually for rural school districts to partner on college and career pathway programs, with districts receiving outcome bonuses based on whether a student is considered economically disadvantaged. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as taxpayers in urban areas should not be forced to subsidize educational programs for individuals who choose to locate in rural or other portions of the state.
HB 2263House 20231x

Hiking Natural Gas Utility Costs for Texans to Enrich Utility Companies and Create New Energy Conservation Programs.

Against DEMs
This bill creates a statewide framework for natural gas utility companies to offer energy conservation programs. These programs typically involve subsidies for purchasing higher energy efficiency appliances or for retrofitting a home or business to increase energy efficiency. The programs are paid for by raising natural gas utility rates on all customers through "rate recovery" which also provides utility companies a larger guaranteed profit. Additionally, the bill allows utility companies (which heavily lobbied for the bill) to receive additional profit for designing, marketing, administering, and delivering an energy conservation program. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this and many other energy efficiency schemes are largely designed to enrich select product manufacturers, service providers and utility companies at the expense of all other Texans. Such cronyism is especially harmful to low-income and elderly individuals on fixed incomes who can''t afford rising utility costs.
HB 2266House 20231x

Protecting Against Overreaching Local Regulations by Allowing Businesses to Sue to Block Enforcement.

With DEMs
This bill allows most businesses subject to state licensing requirements to sue localities to prevent the enforcement of local regulations that are more stringent than state regulations or that can be shown to "result in an adverse economic impact." Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this bill helps protect against overreaching local regulations that most often restrict competition and drive-up business costs.
HB 2313House 20231x

Expanding Government Overreach through New Annual Mandates on Ridesharing Drivers Pertaining to Human Trafficking Training.

Against DEMs
This bill requires all individuals who provide ridesharing services (through companies such as Uber and Lyft) to undergo annual training on human trafficking awareness and prevention. The training materials provided by rideshare companies must meet a long list of requirements and be approved by the Attorney General. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as while human trafficking is certainly a tragedy which society should work to combat, the solution is not the further expansion of the government regulatory state and imposition of new mandates and costs onto the private sector. A much more laudable approach is for the private sector and companies within to invest and establish their own individual procedures to solve societal problems as opposed to the imposition of one-size-fits all government mandates.
HB 2466House 20231x

Worsening Cronyism by Forcing Taxpayers to Provide Additional Subsidies to Companies Already Receiving Federal Grants through the Texas Technology and Innovation Trust Fund.

Against DEMs
This bill establishes the Texas Technology and Innovation Program to provide matching or supplemental funds to businesses that already receive federal funds through the federal small business innovation research and small business technology transfer programs. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as the free market - not central planning by government bureaucrats - is best equipped to drive economic growth. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
HB 2727House 20231x

Growing Government Dependency by Expanding the Medicaid Welfare Program to Now Cover Home Telemonitoring Services.

Against DEMs
This bill expands coverage under Medicaid (government-provided healthcare) by directing the Health and Human Services commissioner to adopt rules to cover home telemonitoring services under the state''s Medicaid program. Previously, this was optional if the commissioner determined that such coverage would be "cost-effective and feasible." Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this bill further traps individuals into government dependency by growing benefits under the government welfare state. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, as, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
HB 2843House 20231x

Strengthening Individual Liberties and Growing the Tax Base by Allowing Casinos to Operate in the State.

Against DEMs
This bill would allow a limited number of casinos to operate in the state. The bill imposes a 15% tax on gross casino gaming revenue and 10% on gross sports wagering revenue, with 80% of the casino gaming tax revenue allocated to support education. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as individuals - not bureaucrats - should have decision rights over how to utilize the fruits of their labor - even when it comes to risky endeavors such as betting. This measure also helps eliminate the financial fraud and other significant societal harms that the current black market in gambling presents, while allowing the state to generate additional revenue, as seen in states such as Tennessee, which has reportedly raised $73.7 million in tax revenue since legalizing online sports betting in November 2020.
HB 287House 20231x

Growing Government Regulation of Property Insurance Through a New Mandate Requiring Payment of 80% of Replacement Value Up Front.

With DEMs
This bill requires homeowner''s, renter''s, and condominium owner''s insurance policies that include replacement cost coverage to pay 80% of the repair or replacement cost of a claim upfront, minus the deductible. Once documentation is provided showing that the repair or replacement is complete, and any deductible has been paid, the remaining balance is to be paid. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this bill further grows the regulatory state and government interference in the free market. While there is a role of government to protect individuals from fraudulent practices, this overreach significantly adds to the already overregulation of the insurance industry, limiting policy options and driving up costs for both businesses and consumers.
HB 2 (Motion to Table Amd. #1)House 20231x

Denying Texans Significant Property Tax Relief by Blocking a $20 Billion Tax Cut.

Against DEMs
This motion tables (defeats) the Tinderholt amendment #1 to a property tax relief bill. The Tinderholt amendment would provide $20 billion in property tax relief through a reduction applied equally across all school districts. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this this motion denies Texans a significant broadly applied property tax cut which would make housing more affordable and help spur economic growth.
HB 3128House 20231x

Increasing Employment Barriers and Reducing Competition by Forcing Sewage Disposal Pump Technicians to Obtain a License.

With DEMs
This bill requires anyone who provides sewage disposal system pumping services in the state to become licensed and empowers the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to determine the qualifications. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as the state already has certain licensing and regulatory protections in place surrounding septic tanks and this measure represents an excessive employment barrier. Ultimately, the private sector, via certifications, rating systems, and the free market, is much better equipped to provide consumer protection while also ensuring competition and low consumer costs.
HB 3135House 20231x

Combatting Government Overreach by Requiring Localities to Review their Zoning Rules to Reduce Regulatory Burdens.

With DEMs
This bill requires localities to review the costs, benefits, and risks of their existing zoning regulations, building codes, development permits, and other land regulations. Localities are required to hold a public hearing and must repeal or amend certain regulations that interfere with new housing construction or existing housing development. Additionally, before adopting or modifying a land development regulation, localities must issue an impact statement analyzing the effects of the regulation. The regulation may only be modified or adopted if, among other requirements, the regulation does not negatively impact housing costs. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as, like all government central planning attempts, many of the zoning and land use ordinances enacted across the state are overreaching and oftentimes designed to benefit select developers and landowners. While some may argue this bill undermines "local control", our founding fathers only recognized three entities within the U.S. Constitution - federal government, state government, and the individual. It is not the role for any level of government to unduly infringe the rights of individuals, therefore making preemption measures, such as this bill, necessary.
HB 3297House 20231x

Providing Significant Regulatory Relief to Car Owners by Eliminating the State''s Mandatory Annual Vehicle Safety Inspection.

With DEMs
This bill eliminates the state''s mandatory vehicle safety inspection effective January 1, 2025. As a result, car owners will no longer be forced to annually take their vehicle in for an inspection, however a $7.50 annual fee (the current inspection fee) will still be assessed on vehicle owners. Texas was one of only 13 states which required annual vehicle inspections. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this bill provides significant regulatory relief to motorists by no longer being burdened to take their vehicle in for inspection and sometimes sold to perform unnecessary repairs. This bill also helps drive "automotive freedom" by reducing a significant burden for owners of multiple collector vehicles and the likelihood of damage due to the inspection process.
HB 3323House 20231x

Growing Government Bureaucracy by Establishing the Texas Food System Security and Resiliency Planning Council.

With DEMs
This bill requires the Department of Agriculture to hire an additional government employee to establish the Texas food system security and resiliency planning council. The bill also requires the establishment of a state food system security plan for purposes such as to "provide for the orderly development and management of food system security" and recommend legislation "needed or desirable to facilitate the resilience and availability of food." Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this bill further grows government bureaucracy and spending and will likely lead to additional government intervention in future years. The federal government already spends billions on stockpiling food and planning for natural disasters. Additionally, the free market and private sector is far more effective in solving all other non-emergency related supply-chain issues as opposed to central planning by government bureaucrats.
HB 3447House 20231x

Growing Government Bureaucracy and Wasteful Spending through the Creation of the Texas Space Commission and the Aerospace Research and Space Economy Consortium.

Against DEMs
This bill creates both the "Texas Space Commission" and the Aerospace Research and Space Economy Consortium to promote innovation in the space, aeronautics, and aviation industry. The new entities are expected to require the hiring of at least 10 additional state employees at an estimated cost of $3.4 million over the next two years. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as the federal government (National Aeronautics and Space Administration already spends tens of billions of dollars advancing innovation in this field. This new entity is not only unnecessary but will likely enrich select government-favored entities and further distort the private sector and free marketplace. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
HB 3757House 20231x

Increasing Property Tax Burdens by Implementing a "Freeze" for Certain Older Individuals which Merely Shifts Burdens onto other Property Owners and Masks Underlying Spending Problems.

Against DEMs
This bill authorizes a greater range of local taxing entities to provide tax freezes for seniors or individuals with disabilities. Previous law only provided school districts, counties, municipalities and junior college districts with the ability to provide a freeze, while this bill expands the authority to all local taxing units. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as while the intent of this bill is noble, all state and local tax codes should be constructed in a broadly applied manner with as low of rates as possible for everyone. Providing a property tax freeze for one set of individuals inevitably results in tax burdens being shifted to other property owners not favored by government. Additionally, this bill merely masks the underlying cause for rapidly rising property taxes - out of control government spending.
HB 4219House 20231x

Expanding Borrowing and Lending Opportunities by Raising the Maximum Allowable Interest Rate on Consumer Loans by Including the Federal Funds Rate in the Calculation.

With DEMs
This bill raises the maximum allowable interest rate which lenders may charge on consumer loans, by now allowing the federal funds rate to be included in the calculation. While existing law currently caps consumer loan interest rates between 18% and 30%, the addition of the federal funds rate could allow lenders to charge another 5% to 6% depending on the rate of inflation. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as the free-market - not government price controls - is the best mechanism to ensure the lowest borrowing rates and greatest available credit options for all borrowers. This slight regulatory relief will help expand borrowing and lending opportunities, especially during periods of high inflation.
HB 4433House 20231x

Worsening Tax Cronyism by Providing Subsidies for Certain "Legacy Homeowners" in Government-Created Reinvestment Zones.

Against DEMs
This bill allows counties and municipalities which have established a "reinvestment zone" (i.e. tax increment financing) the ability to also utilize the funds to subsidize "legacy homeowners". As a result, individuals who have owned their property for at least 7 years and experienced a significant increase in their property taxes (due to a rise in their home value) would be eligible to have a portion of their property taxes subsidized. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as government central planning schemes such as tax increment financing should not be deployed in the first place. This measure merely worsens the cronyism by further distorting the tax code and providing advantages to select homeowners. Government should instead ensure property taxation is conducted in a broadly applied manner without carveouts and as low of rates as possible for all property owners.
HB 4885House 20231x

Expanding Cronyism and Government Interference in the Energy Sector through a New Hydrogen Vehicle and Infrastructure Grant Program.

Against DEMs
This bill creates the Texas Hydrogen Infrastructure, Vehicle, and Equipment Grant Program within the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan. The bill allocates up to $8 million for the Hydrogen program while also making a few other funding reallocations within the bill. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as while the bill does make some reallocations to offset some of the spending for the new program, the bill still creates yet another avenue for new spending and government interference in the marketplace. The free market - not government central planning - is the best mechanism to advance energy development. The state should instead eliminate the entire grant fund as well as take additional actions to reign in its out-of-control spending, as, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
HB 5House 20231x

Expanding Cronyism and Enriching Government-Favored Corporations through a New Property Tax Exemption Scheme.

Against DEMs
This bill, the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation Act, provides select businesses which meet certain investment thresholds and job requirements with property tax exemptions. Under the bill, businesses will receive tax exemptions ranging between 50% and 75% for a period of 10 years, and a 100% tax exemption during the construction phase. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as all state and local tax codes should be constructed in a broadly applied manner with as low of rates as possible for everyone. This and other tax cronyism schemes merely dilute the tax base which results in higher taxes on all other individuals and products to make up for the lost revenue. The free market (by lowering taxes for all businesses) can provide much greater returns on investment than this central planning by politicians.
HB 5174House 20231x

Worsening Cronyism and Government Central Planning by Creating the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium to Enrich Certain Companies.

Against DEMs
This bill creates the "Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium," to, among other purposes, "develop a comprehensive strategic plan to ensure ongoing semiconductor innovation" and expand workforce training. The bill also creates the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund to provide grants to state government entities and semiconductor manufacturing and design companies in the state "to encourage economic development." Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as not only does this measure further grow the size of government and central planning, but also worsens corporate welfare and cronyism by providing competitive advantages to select industries and businesses at the expense of taxpayers. Additionally, this bill is on top of other federal spending programs for the industry, such as the CHIPS and Science Act which provided $52.7 billion for "semiconductor research, development, manufacturing, and workforce development."
HB 54House 20231x

Further Growing Medicaid Welfare Spending by Hiking the Monthly Personal Needs Allowance at Long-Term Care Facilities.

Against DEMs
This bill increases the personal needs allowance provided to Medicaid welfare recipients at long-term care facilities (nursing homes). Under the bill the monthly allowance is increased by 25 percent to $75 from $60, which is more than double the federal $30 monthly minimum. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as the private sector (charitable entities) is best equipped to provide any additional needs or services to residents not provided by their long-term care facility. While this measure continues to grow government spending, it most concerningly serves as yet another incentive for government dependency over lifelong saving and personal fiscal responsibility.
HB 567House 20231x

Increasing Frivolous Litigation and Legal Liabilities by Making "Hair Texture and Style" a Protected Characteristic in Employment and Housing.

Against DEMs
This bill, the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act, makes a person''s hair texture or hairstyle a protected characteristic if is commonly associated with a particular race. CROWN applies to public schools and institutions of higher education, employment, and housing. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as this bill serves as a new tool by plaintiffs'' attorneys to subject business owners and housing providers to frivolous litigation. Such actions merely drive-up costs for consumers and can be particularly devastating for small businesses and landlords.
HB 7House 20231x

Strengthening National Security and Helping to Combat Illegal Immigration and Human Trafficking Through Additional Border Security Funding and Property Owner Compensation.

With DEMs
This bill provides $100 million in funding to establish a new state border policing unit made up of commissioned peace officers. Funding is also directed to a number of initiatives designed to boost border security such as detention facility upgrades, temporary border barriers and compensation to certain property owners impacted. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as ensuring public safety and national defense is arguably the most important role of government. Failure to secure our nation''s border not only has catastrophic implications on the ability to maintain law and order, but also creates countless other issues ranging from welfare to the education system.
HB 9House 20231x

Enriching Comcast and other Woke Corporations by Forcing Taxpayers to Provide "Broadband Equity" through a Government Central Planning Scheme.

Against DEMs
This bill contains a major provision which requires taxpayers to fund "expanded access to broadband services in economically distressed communities". The new spending will unlock additional funds under the federal "Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program" and is expected to provide significant new revenue to Comcast which lobbied for the bill. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as the private sector and free market are best equipped to determine where broadband is most needed and which expansion projects are most economically viable. This measure forces taxpayers to enrich woke corporations such as Comcast for infrastructure which may soon be unnecessary due to significant advances in satellite technology from Comcast''s competitors such as Elon Musk''s Starlink.
HB 900House 20231x

Protecting K-12 Students from Pornographic Content by Prohibiting the Sale or Distribution of Obscene Materials to Public Schools.

With DEMs
This bill, the Restricting Explicit and Adult-Designated Educational Resources (READER) Act, prohibits school libraries from purchasing or possessing material that is harmful, sexually explicit, or "pervasively vulgar or educationally unsuitable." The bill also requires vendors to issue ratings for sexually explicit materials and schools must obtain parental consent before students may check out such materials from a school library. Support is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as children - especially without the knowledge of their parents - should not be exposed to obscene material at public schools.
HB 916House 20231x

Hiking Health Insurance Premiums by Mandating Insurance Companies Cover a 12-Month Supply of Contraceptive Drugs.

Against DEMs
This bill establishes a new health insurance mandate which requires most healthcare policies offered in the state, including Medicaid (government-provided healthcare), that cover prescription contraceptive drugs to cover a 3-month initial supply and subsequent 12-month supplies of the drugs. Oppose is The Club For Growth Foundation''s position as each and every health insurance mandate or price control on co-payments prevents an individual from selecting a plan with just basic or customized coverages to fit their specific needs. As a result, health insurers are forced to only offer costly plans loaded with coverages that most individuals do not need. This can result in lower-income or younger individuals choosing to purchase no insurance plan at all due to the high cost.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rep. Ed Thompson's voting record?

Rep. Ed Thompson (R-TX-29) earned a 54% National Democrat Platform score for 2023, showing moderate alignment with Democratic Party Platform principles. Ed Thompson voted on 89 of the 118 substantive bills scored by Dem Platform in 2023. Ed Thompson represents the 29th District in the Texas House of Representatives.

How aligned is Ed Thompson with Democratic Party Platform principles?

Ed Thompson earned a 54% National Democrat Platform score in 2023, showing moderate alignment with Democratic Party Platform principles.

What is Ed Thompson's Dem Platform score?

Ed Thompson has a 54% Dem Platform score for 2023.

Where does Ed Thompson serve?

Rep. Ed Thompson (R-TX-29) represents the 29th District in the Texas House of Representatives as a Republican.

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