Governmental Affairs Committee Aviation Committee Meetings & Events 2007 Local Election Issues Legislative Issues Elected Officials Directory Governmental Affairs Photos Leaders in Government (Photos!) Tarrant County Day at the Capitol (Photos!)   The Government Affairs department and committee actively promote the public policy goals of the Fort Worth business community; identify, evaluate and take appropriate action on legislative and regulatory initiatives that impact the state and local business environment; and facilitate communication between the Chamber's members and local, state and federal public officials.   Meetings & Events Aviation Committee Meeting At Meacham Airport on May 19, 2008 Click here for Meeting Transaction Notes Click here for Meeting Photos   Back to top 2007 Local Election Issues Chamber Support Two resolutions were approved by the Board of Directors October 18, 2007, in regard to upcoming issues on the November 6th local election ballot. The Chamber favors the Fort Worth ISD bond package and opposes collective bargaining rights for the Fort Worth Fire Department. Resolution Supporting Fort Worth ISD's Bond Package Resolution for the Ongoing Support of Fort Worth Fire Dept. and Against Collective Bargaining Doug Harman, former city manager, says vote No to Collective Bargaining Vote Against Labor Union Control of our Community Click here to read CEO Bill Thornton's column on why to support FWISD bond package. Click here to read the Star-Telegram's Op-Ed piece: Just pick a reason to oppose firefighters collective bargaining. Click here for information about the election and where to vote.   The North Texas Clean Air Coalition's Best Workplaces for Commuters luncheon on October 24 in Fort Worth celebrated businesses doing their fair share for cleaner air.   The 2007 Best Workplaces for Commuters winners, representing American Airlines Southern Reservations Office, Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Texas, Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce, IBM Corporation, Motheral Printing Company, North Central Texas Council of Governments, North Texas Health Care Laundry Association, Renaissance Worthington Hotel, Tarrant County, The Northeast Tarrant Chamber of Commerce, The T, and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.   Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce President Bill Thornton awarded the Employer of the Year (Over 500) to Ida Fowlds of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.   The T's Nancy Amos awards Jennifer Cannon of Con-Way Freight Company the Employee Transportation Coordinator of the Year award.   Back to top Legislative Issues

2007 State Legislative Issues

Legislative Report

Meet and Confer Reaction

"The Fort Worth Chamber has always supported our police officers, and will continue to do so. In turn, we hope they will fulfill their promise to negotiate in good faith with city staff, being mindful of other fellow City employees and of the budget challenges of the City of Fort Worth." -- Bill Thornton, President and CEO, Fort Worth Chamber

Wright Amendment Accord
On September 29, 2006, Congress approved legislation to repeal the Wright Amendment.

Highlights of the legislation are:

• Repeals the Wright Amendment 8 years from the date of the legislation
• The City of Dallas, as soon as practicable, shall reduce to 20 the number of gates available for passenger service at Love Field, and thereafter, this number shall not exceed the maximum of 20 gates
• From and after the date of the legislation, through ticketing to destinations within the 50 states and the District of Columbia shall be available
• There shall be no international flights from Love field
• Charter flights originating from Love Field shall be restricted to the 50 states and the District of Columbia
• Nothing in the Act shall affect general aviation
• The provisions of the Act shall apply only to Love Field

The Fort Worth Chamber compliments the mayors of Dallas and Fort Worth and the business commuities for being committed to this process and the timelines that were agreed upon.

The focus of these negotiations and the ultimate agreement revolved around DFW International Airport, and that has always been the Chamber’s concern: to ensure the vitality and continued momentum that DFW Airport brings to this region.

It was critical that we as a region chart our own future rather than put it in the hands of others. Therefore, we support the Wright Amendment Accord.

Wright Amendment Joint Statement

State Funding of Public Education in Texas
Approved By The Governmental & Quality Workforce Development Committees on January 21, 2004

State Funding of Public Education in Texas

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Elected Officials

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For more information contact:
A.J. Fuqua
Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
817-336-2491 Ext. 251