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.

Core tenets of HB 5 were revealed to be popular with the voting public, demonstrated in a survey conducted by Morning Consult. In order to remain competitive in attracting capital intensive projects that bring jobs and investment to the state of Texas, the Fort Worth Chamber has advocated for the passage of HB 5. The legislation must now advance out of committee in the Senate before potentially receiving a vote in the full Senate. The final day of the 88^th Regular Session is Monday, May 29, with several key deadlines in the days prior.

TOP HEADLINES

National

• Wall Street Journal | April Jobs Report: Labor Market Remains Strong as U.S. Adds 253,000 Jobs, Unemployment Falls to 3.4%
• Roll Call | Business groups weigh in on debt limit impasse ahead of meeting
• Reuters | Automakers say proposed US emissions rules pose challenges

State and Local

• Tribune | New economic incentive plan clears hurdle in Texas House
• Fox 7 | Texas House’s version of the Senate’s voucher bill would change eligibility and replace STAAR test
• Fort Worth Report | Goldman’s bill to boost film industry in Fort Worth and Texas heads to Senate

UPCOMING DATES

• May 16: Tarrant County Commissioners Court, 10 a.m.
• May 16: Fort Worth City Council Work Session, 1 p.m.
• May 19: Government Affairs Committee Meeting