Last week, the FWC 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. On Monday, April 24, HB 5 passed unanimously out of the House Ways & Means Committee, 11-0. It was an important step in the right direction, but continued efforts are needed. The bill now awaits an appointment on the floor of the Texas House, where a majority vote would send the legislation to the Texas Senate.

Thank you for making a push and contacting your state representative to voice your support for HB 5. Those efforts make a difference in the public policy process, and it’s crucial that the Fort Worth business community is heard.

What other pieces of important legislation have moved recently?

• HB 9 passed in the Texas House 139-7, and will now go to the Texas Senate. The bill is a priority item that establishes the broadband infrastructure fund and allocates $5 billion toward the effort of expanding broadband access.
• HB 12 passed in the Texas House with bipartisan support. The bill extends from 60 days to 12 months the amount of time that new mothers can remain on Medicaid postpartum.

TOP HEADLINES

National

• CNBC | U.S. GDP rose at a 1.1% pace in the first quarter as signs build that the economy is slowing
• Roll Call | Truckers and lawmakers pitch tax repeal to meet emission goals
• Fort Worth Report | Fort Worth wants to hear from residents on how to spend $65 million in federal funds to improve neighborhoods

State and Local

• KRLD | Infrastructure, education among business leaders’ priorities
• Tribune | Texas House, Senate leaders clash in final weeks of Legislature
• Texas Public Radio | New data show teacher salaries in Texas are more than $7,700 lower than the national average
• Tribune | House moves to expand postpartum Medicaid
• Fort Worth Report | Trinity Metro to offer free rides to vote in city council, area school board races
• Star-Telegram | Here’s what the new city council means for Fort Worth
• Fort Worth Report | Fort Worth school districts have a new goal: Boost career readiness by 10% in next year
• Fort Worth Report | Will streetcars return to Fort Worth? With growth comes a renewed interest in project

UPCOMING DATES

• May 2: Final day of early voting for May 6 Local Entity Election
• May 2: Fort Worth City Council Work Session, 1 p.m.
• May 5: Government Affairs Committee Meeting
• May 6: Local Entity Election Day