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Texas legislators have one constitutional duty every other year when the Legislature is in session: pass a budget. This biennium’s budget process featured operating with a historic surplus of more than $30 billion, generating robust debate on how to best spend those resources. The final version eclipsed 1,000 pages, so here are some highlights of what is included in the 2024-2025 budget.
The Fort Worth business community secured several public policy wins during the regular session of the 88th Legislature, such as the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation Act (HB 5), key infrastructure funding, property tax relief, and a boost to Texas community colleges to more adequately prepare the state’s workforce. To inform the business community of other legislative wins, the Chamber will be highlighting a variety of bills that became law this past session. Next up on the list: enhanced film incentives.
The Texas Legislature has reached a long-awaited solution to deliver $18 billion of tax relief to Texans. After several rounds of negotiations from the regular session and two different special sessions, the Texas House and Senate have agreed on a tax relief package that now sits on Governor Abbott’s desk for approval. The Governor has […]
At the conclusion of the 88th regular session of the Texas Legislature, missing from a list of other pro-business policy wins was a resolution on property tax relief. With a record budget surplus, state leaders all agreed that delivering meaningful relief to taxpayers was a top priority. However, agreeing on the delivery mechanism for that relief proved to be more complicated.
The Fort Worth business community secured several public policy wins during the regular session of the 88th Legislature, such as the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation Act (HB 5) and a boost to Texas community colleges to more adequately prepare the state’s workforce. To inform the business community of other legislative wins, the Chamber will be highlighting a variety of bills that became law this past session. Next up is a review of the variety of infrastructure bills that have been signed into law.
The Fort Worth business community secured several public policy wins during the regular session of the 88th Legislature, such as the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation Act (HB 5) which was signed into law by Governor Abbott on June 8. To inform the business community of other legislative wins, the Chamber will be highlighting a variety of bills that became law this past session. Next up is House Bill 8, which will enhance opportunity at Texas community colleges.
The regular session of the 88th Texas Legislature concluded, and the first special session began immediately afterwards. Amidst the attention on the special session(s), several pro-business bills were passed during the regular session, including an economic development incentive bill, a junior college finance program, and infrastructure-related funding.
The passage of House Bill 5, also known as the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation Act, with widespread bipartisan support, aims to create new high-paying jobs, encourage economic development, attract business investment, and promote energy and water infrastructure development in Texas. The bill provides incentives such as property tax abatements and job creation requirements, and it is expected to keep Texas competitive and maintain its economic prosperity, known as the "Texas Miracle," by attracting businesses and ensuring continued investment and job growth.
The end of the Texas legislative session is rapidly approaching May 29. Several important bills that will impact Texas’ economic prosperity are moving through the legislative process ahead of key deadlines. HB 5 – the Fort Worth Chamber’s top priority – passed the Texas House and was heard by the Senate Business & Commerce Committee […]
One of the Fort Worth Chamber’s top legislative priorities this session cleared an important hurdle last week. On Thursday, May 4, HB 5 passed with widespread bipartisan support by a vote of 120-24. The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Business & Commerce.
Texas voters demonstrate strong support for a new, transparent, and accountable economic development incentive program, according to a recent Greater Houston Partnership-Morning Consult survey.
Last week, the Fort Worth Chamber joined other advocates for job creation and economic growth by sending out a call to action on HB 5, the Texas Jobs and Security Act.
House Bill 5, the Texas Jobs and Security Act, was recently heard in the Texas House Ways & Means Committee, where it now awaits a vote. HB 5 would create a new economic development program for Texas creating jobs and attracting new investment to our community. The vast majority of Texas voters – 84%, in […]
Priority Workforce and Education Bill Passes the Texas House.
On Wednesday, April 5, members of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce were joined by Senator Ted Cruz for a discussion about policy issues facing Fort Worth area businesses
