On Monday, approximately 58 members of the Texas House of Representatives boarded private planes in Austin and flew to Washington, D.C. to avoid voting on an election integrity bill. 

To find some of the most influential people in Austin, look no further than the lobbyists employed by hundreds of entities across the state of Texas. The highest paid lobbyists in Texas politics are hired by organizations willing to spend significant resources persuading lawmakers to support legislation that is favorable to their interests. 

When we were kids, the TV show Schoolhouse Rock taught us how laws were passed in Congress with its catchy “I’m Just a Bill” tune. Here’s a run-down on how it works in Texas.