Texas Public Policy Action Announces Texas Government Waste Contest

Using the example of Senator Tom Coburn's Wastebook, Texas Public Policy Action is offering cash prizes to citizens turning in examples of Texas state government waste.  Prizes are available in two categories: video submissions and written submissions.  First, Second and Third place will be awarded in both categories.

Does this sound like something you might be interested in doing?  You can accept the challenge and expose wasteful spending in Texas state government which may result in a cash prize for your efforts. Any unit of government in Texas is eligible, if waste is found.  This doesn't have to be the Texas state budget - it can be your local government. Just remember the excess has to be in the State of Texas.  Write a story or make a video, it's your choice.

HERE is the website.  I am passing along the press release with all the details.

Texas Public Policy Action Announces Contest to Expose Government Waste Competition allows public to highlight examples of egregious government waste in Texas AUSTIN - Texas Public Policy Action today announced the Texas Government Waste Contest, an open competition to allow members of the public to identify and describe examples of egregious and frivolous government waste at all levels of government in Texas.  The contest runs from September 3 to October 24, 2014, with winners announced by November 14, 2014. "Even in Texas there is an incredible amount of wasteful spending, political favoritism, and crony capitalism.  This contest will help to expose waste and cronyism," said TPPA Executive Director Nathanael Ferguson. "By creating a compendium of government waste we will arm taxpayers with the information they need to focus elected officials on solving problems and working to affect change." Contestants will submit stories of a wasteful spending item or program in either a written essay or in an original creative video.  Winners in each of the two categories will be awarded cash prizes, $4,000 for first place, $2,000 for second place, and $1,000 for third place. All entries will be included in the Compendium of Texas Government Waste, copies of which will be furnished to every legislative office in advance of the 84th Legislative Session. Entries can be submitted here: www.TexWaste.com "Our aim is to inform, engage, and empower citizens to help promote pro-growth policies of limited government and fiscal restraint," said Ferguson. All entries must be limited to wasteful spending in Texas state or local government and will be vetted for accuracy.  Citations must be included with submissions. The contest will be judged by a panel of well-respected policy experts representing multiple think tanks and activist groups in Texas, including Americans for Prosperity Policy and Legislative Director Peggy Venable, True the Vote Founder and President Catherine Engelbrecht, and Grassroots America Executive Director JoAnn Fleming.    Texas Public Policy Action is a non-profit 501c4 organization based in Austin.