“How important do you think public education is to the health, safety, and welfare of our community?” In a presentation to the Fort Worth City Council on September 19, Pete Geren discussed this question with council members and shared data which painted the picture that Fort Worth area public school students are falling off the pace to remain at grade level in math and reading.

On September 8, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced the publication of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), Defining and Delimiting the Exemptions for Executive, Administrative, Professional, Outside Sales, and Computer Employees. Referred to simply as the “overtime rule”, the proposal aims to increase the salary threshold under which employees would be required to receive […]

The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce hosted its latest Leaders in Government event, presented by Kelly Hart, on Thursday, September 7. U.S. Representative Roger Williams, chairman of the House Committee on Small Business, was the featured speaker. Chairman Williams visited with members of the Chamber’s Business Retention and Expansion Committee as well as the Government Affairs Committee prior to the luncheon, providing updates on issues facing the country’s small businesses.

On November 7, Texans will go to the polls to vote on 14 proposed amendments to the state constitution. Below is a summary of the final seven propositions, in the order they will appear on the ballot. Direct links to each proposition are also included for further reading.

On November 7, Texans will go to the polls to vote on 14 proposed amendments to the state constitution. Below is a summary of the first seven propositions, in the order they will appear on the ballot. Direct links to each proposition are also included for further reading.

The Fort Worth Chamber hosted its annual State of the County, presented by Capital One, on August 17, featuring Tarrant County Judge Tim O'Hare. Judge O’Hare recapped his tenure since coming into office at the beginning of 2023, and provided an overview of the county's current trajectory and future aspirations.

At a Fort Worth City Council meeting on August 8, City Manager David Cooke unveiled a proposed budget for fiscal year 2023-2024. Several additional meetings are scheduled to take place on the budget throughout August and September before finalization, but several items stand out as being of potential interest to the business community. Overview The […]

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

Governor Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Patrick, and Speaker Dade Phelan have all publicly called for the state’s record budget surplus to be used in large part toward property tax relief for Texans.

With activity in the Texas Legislature picking up steam, the spotlight on our state’s elected officials brightens.

The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce hosted Governor Greg Abbott at its “Leaders in Government” event on March 15 at The Worthington Renaissance Hotel.

Following the expiration of Chapter 313 – that state of Texas’ primary property tax abatement tool – at the end of 2022, stakeholders have been seeking an alternative that would keep Texas competitive with other states for capital intensive economic development projects.

Last week, Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives Dade Phelan unveiled a slate of priorities that he hopes will be addressed this session by the chamber over which he presides.

The filing deadline has passed for candidates wishing to seek local office in 2023, finalizing the field of candidates who will appear on the ballot this spring. Two new Fort Worth City Council districts have been created to expand the elected representation of the city’s residents. Get to know the districts and the candidates below.

Earlier this year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) proposed a rule that would ban non-compete clauses between employers and workers.

Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives Dade Phelan announced the committee assignments for the 88th Legislature today. Members hailing from Tarrant County were placed on various committees spanning several different policy areas.

The Texas Legislature is underway for its 88th regular session. The public policy issues that elected officials will deliberate have an impact on local business in Fort Worth, whether it be tax policy, business regulations, quality of life issues, or a variety of other policy areas that effect businesses’ bottom line.

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick announced the Texas Senate’s committee assignments this week, establishing the leadership of 17 different committees, special committees, and subcommittees with specific legislative purviews.

The Texas Legislature officially convened last week, setting in motion the 140-day period every other year when elected officials address key issues and priorities of the state government.