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 a brief meet-and-greet reception with local business leaders and elected officials, Governor Abbott provided in-depth remarks about Texas’ economic competitiveness.

Governor Abbott made two things clear in his remarks:

1. The State of Texas has been the unequivocal leader on the national stage when it comes to business and economic development
2. To remain number one, important work remains ahead

To highlight the state’s past success, Governor Abbott noted that Texas has ranked as the number one state to do business for 18 consecutive years. Texas has won the Governor’s Cup for 11 consecutive years. Governor Abbott noted that CEOs frequently cite the state’s business climate and workforce as primary drivers for their decision to locate in Texas.

For all the success Texas has achieved over the years, Governor Abbott also identified key policy decisions that must be made in order for the Lone Star State to retain its position as the best place to do business.

Texas has a budget surplus of roughly $32 billion, which the Governor was sure to credit to robust business activity across the state (especially when compared to a state like California, which currently faces a budget deficit of nearly $25 billion). Governor Abbott reiterated his desire to see the Legislature allocate roughly half of the budget surplus – or potentially even more – in property tax relief for Texans.

The Governor also expressed how valuable economic development incentive tools can be, citing the loss of a Micron semiconductor plant to the state of New York. With the expiration of Chapter 313, Texas is without the tools necessary to remain competitive for capital intensive projects and risks losing out on the creation of new jobs and economic growth as a result. Governor Abbott encouraged attendees to voice their support of a new incentive tool with their State Representatives and State Senators.

Lastly, Governor Abbott noted that progress has been made in enhancing the reliability of Texas’ electric grid, but also said more needs to be done to accommodate the state’s rapid growth. He hopes to see the state add 5 megawatts of capacity to meet peak demand needs moving forward.

The Fort Worth Chamber is aligned with Governor Abbott on the goals of ensuring Texas remains the best place to do business in the entire country. The Governor told the crowd gathered on Wednesday that “policy decisions have consequences.” The business community must continue working with elected officials to ensure those policy decisions have the consequences we all hope for: a Fort Worth region and a State of Texas that continues to lead the way in job creation and economic growth.

TOP HEADLINES

National

• New York Times | U.S. and Europe Angle for New Deal to Resolve Climate Spat
• News Release | U.S. Chamber on White House ‘Tax and Spend’ Budget
• Chronicle | Senators say permit process threatens U.S. oil output
• Star-Telegram | Fort Worth’s Panther Island gets $20 million from Army Corps

State and Local

• Fort Worth Report | Abbott pushes new economic incentives, state’s business climate in Fort Worth address
• Fort Worth Report | Fort Worth chamber forms economic development partnership, names Austin insider to lead new effort
• Tribune | Texas senators unveil package of bills aimed at improving power grid
• Chronicle | Proposal adding billions in funding for Texas public schools gains bipartisan support
• Tribune | Texas Republicans’ property tax cut proposals, explained
• Star-Telegram | Tarrant County leaders will consider homestead exemption
• Star-Telegram | Fort Worth credits initiative for 13% drop in violent crime
• Fort Worth Report | Development delays cost the city $1.4 million monthly, Real Estate Council proposes solutions

UPCOMING DATES

• March 21: Fort Worth City Council Meeting, 6 p.m.
• March 22-23: Tarrant County Days [More info]
• March 24: Government Affairs Committee Meeting