VOL 3, NO. 10
June 29, 2021
The Public Policy Newsletter of the HEB Chamber of Commerce. Issues that impact you. Advocacy that helps you.
Governor Abbott Hints at Issues for First Special Session
Governor Greg Abbott has called the Texas Legislature back into special session starting July 8th. The session will last up to 30-days and will be limited to the issues the Governor specifies in “The Call”. 
 
When the special session was announced the Governor did not specify any of the issues that would be on the call. The Texas Tribune is now reporting that the Governor has three items he plans to put on the call while speaking at a fundraiser on Tuesday:

  • Election Reform
  • A Ban on Critical Race Theory
  • Social Media Censorship

Election reform was delayed until late on the last day the House of Representatives could consider the bill. The Senate and House passed somewhat different versions of the bill and conference committee members wrangled over what language would ultimately be in the bill to be sent to the Governor. Members of the House Democratic Caucus were denied the opportunity to talk the bill to death by holding the floor until after the midnight deadline. Realizing the bill was going to pass, the Democrats walked out of the House Chamber breaking the quorum and making it impossible for Republicans to consider the bill. Several other bills also up for final passage also died.
 
The Governor promised to bring the bill to a special session and make the Legislature try again. He also penalized the legislature for its failure to pass the bill by using his line item veto to strike the funding for the legislature from the budget. Money for members and staff salaries and expenses will run out August 31st unless something changes.
 
The Legislature did pass a bill prohibiting teaching “Critical Race Theory” in some circumstances. The Governor wants that bill to be strengthened during the special session. What the Governor wants prohibited is teaching that systemic racism has existed in our country since its founding and exists today in subtle ways in our laws and institutions. Educators are said to be indoctrinating our students. Educators are pushing back at the intrusion of government in curriculum. 
 
The Governor also wants to see social media companies stop censoring content they deem to be false, misleading or incendiary.  
Chamber Membership Survey
In preparation for planning for 2022 and for our next five-year plan, the HEB Chamber Board of Directors would like to have your opinion on how we’re doing to bring our members value and the benefits you need to succeed! Please take a moment to take the survey by tomorrow, Wednesday, June 30.
Chamber Job Board
With so many businesses unable to fill positions, the HEB Chamber set up a Job Board to allow an even further reach to grow your team. Take advantage of this wonderful employment resource! Members can share job openings and share the information posted with others you feel would benefit from the opportunities that are shared! Click here to find out more!
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 Jeri Harwell. 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, maryfrazior@heb.org.

Thank You to Our 2021 Business Advocacy Sponsors:
Sponsorship does not necessarily imply endorsement of the Chamber's policy positions.