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 […]
The Area Boards and Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Committee have been enhancing and fine-tuning their quarterly reporting website to offer a host of additional visual resources for users.
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.
