HEB Chamber Government Affairs Newsletter

Ready to Get to Work

Chamber's legislative agenda is set, House has much work ahead

The 86th Texas Legislative Session doesn't start until J anuary 8, but the HEB Chamber has already prepared our legislative agenda. Highlights:

Economic development: In order to continue attract and retain businesses and jobs, we will advocate for legislation that strengthens our business-friendly tax structure and economic development tools, such as having local responsibility for property tax decisions.

Infrastructure: Knowing that the ability to quickly and efficiently transport people and goods is critical for employers, we support the continued improvement of our infrastructure, including preserving funding from Propositions 1 and 7.

Workforce development: Recognizing the quality efforts currently being done by local educational institutions, we support legislation that will incentivize additional employer-educator partnerships, and further support modifying the current school funding system to reduce the dependence on local property taxes and reflect the actual cost of education.

Health care: Recognizing that more than 22 percent of Texans lack health insurance, we will advocate for legislation supporting innovative health care approaches, including maximizing federal funds for the state's Medicaid program.

We will be presenting our agenda to our state senators and representatives in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, l egislators have already filed about 600 bills and resolutions. In the House, t he first order of business will be to elect a new Speaker. Representative Dennis Bonnen (R-Angleton) appears likely to win the job, and t he vote takes place on the first day of the session.

Beyond that, the biggest issues are likely to be property tax reform and public education funding. The session will last 140 days, and throughout it all, we'll keep you updated on the issues that matter most to the Chamber -- and to you.

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Advanced Math

Public meeting planned for Governor's school funding proposal

Three members of Governor Greg Abbott's policy staff will visit the Metroplex for an important public meeting on the Governor's plan to revamp public education funding.

The presentation will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Friday, December 7, at the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, 505 E. Border Street, Arlington, 76010 . Time will be allotted afterward for questions.

The proposal is expected to contain many of the ideas to come from the Special Commission on Education Funding, which has been meeting during the interim. Other likely influences include the Commit Foundation and the Dallas ISD's recent successes. No doubt the Texas Legislature will want to have some say as well.

Members of the Coalition of East Tarrant Chambers are invited to attend. The event is free but seating is limited. Please RSVP to Bill Lynch, [email protected].

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What Color Do You See?

The mid-term elections sent some very clear signals -- or not

The 2018 mid-term election results left plenty to ponder.

In Northeast Tarrant County, incumbents had a good night at the state level. In Senate District 9, Republican Kelly Hancock retained his seat , and in House districts 91, 92 and 93, Republican representatives Stephanie Klick, Jonathan Stickland and Matt Krause also were re-elected.

At the national level, Republican incumbent U.S. Senator Ted Cruz defeated challenger Beto O'Rourke, and and in the 6th Congressional District, Republican Ron Wright prevailed.

Democrats also enjoyed some successes. In the race for Precinct 2 County Commissioner, Devan Allen defeated incumbent Republican Andy Nguyen, and in Senate District 10, Beverly Powell unseated incumbent Republican Senator Konni Burton. And while O'Rourke lost the election, he narrowly won Tarrant County.

It's too soon to say if the results are part of a larger trend. But you can be sure that both parties will be working hard to prepare for the next round in November 2020.

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We're working for you

The Chamber's Board has five goal teams. One of these teams is Business Advocacy, and it is chaired by Howard Shotwell. The team's responsibilities include government relations, issues identification, identifying collaboration opportunities and ensuring Chamber members always have a "seat at the table." We welcome your support! If you would like to get involved in the Chamber's business advocacy work, contact Mary Frazior, 817-283-1521, [email protected].

We thank our business advocacy sponsors:

Sponsorship does not necessarily imply endorsement of the Chamber's policy positions.

The Chamber is 4-Star accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

[email protected] heb.org