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 on Thursday, May 18. To continue progressing, the bill must be voted out of committee before moving onto a vote from the Texas Senate.

A few bills have already passed both chambers and will be sent to the Governor’s desk:

• HB 9: Investing roughly $5 billion on broadband access for Texans
• HB 1755: Creating the Lone Star Workforce of the Future Fund
• SCR 2: Extending “Prop 7” funding of Texas highways for 10 years
• SB 505: Creating a fee for electric vehicles to fund state highways, similar to a gas tax for traditional vehicles

Fort Worth Eastside Transportation Plan Open House Events

The first series of open house events for the Eastside Transportation Plan will be held May 23-25 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Attendees can choose any of the three dates to learn more about the plan and offer their vision and feedback.

TOP HEADLINES

National

• Roll Call | Party leaders optimistic as debt limit negotiators get to work
• Wall Street Journal | G-7 Leaders Expected to Take Aim at Chinese ‘Economic Coercion’
• CBC | Enforce the CUSMA or it won't be 'worth the paper it's printed on,' top U.S. business leader says

State and Local

• News Release | Newsroom - American Airlines and DFW Airport Sign Long-Term Use and Lease Agreement, Setting the Stage for Future Growth
• Tribune | Texas House approves bill to fund water projects, fix infrastructure
• Fort Worth Report | What’s the economic impact of the arts? In Texas, about $6 billion
• Community Impact | Trinity Metro ‘leads’ in COVID-19 recovery of ridership, says CEO and President Richard Andreski
• Star-Telegram | Texas leaders say family-friendly focus benefits businesses

UPCOMING DATES

• May 23: Fort Worth City Council Meeting, 10 a.m.
• May 23-25: Fort Worth Eastside Transportation Plan Open Houses, 4:30 p.m.
• May 26: Government Affairs Committee Meeting
• May 30: Tarrant County Commissioners Court, 10 a.m.