2023 State Legislative Priorities
The Chamber's Government Affairs Committee prepares and distributes legislative priorities prior to each biennial Texas legislative session. The committee receives input from Chamber members via an online poll and hears presentations by state organizations and elected officials to help draft priorities. The legislative priorities are then approved by the Chamber’s Board of Directors and distributed to state and local elected officials and stakeholders.
88th Texas Legislative Session
Executive Priorities
Economic development incentives
We support the development of a new school property tax incentive so that Texas can continue to create jobs and needed capital investment.
Allow TSTC to operate in Comal and Guadalupe Counties
High growth Comal and Guadalupe Counties are underserved by workforce training providers. We support policies that will allow Texas State Technical College to operate by right.
Fully fund improvements to SH 46
We support fully funding both the interchange between I-35 and SH 46, as well as the improved roadway between New Braunfels and Seguin.
Allow for development of a high-speed connector between I35 and SH130
Support changes to the State’s service agreement with SH 130 Concession Company to facilitate development of a non-tolled high-speed connector between I35 and SH130.
Issues
Pro-business climate
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Keep Texas a low tax state so that it remains business friendly and competitive.
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Protect employers from additional regulatory requirements.
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Sufficiently fund state and local incentive tools used to compete for corporate expansions and job growth.
Education and workforce
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Reform recapture so that more local tax collections stay with local schools.
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We support policies that give K-12 schools more resources to attract and retain teachers and support staff.
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Advance policies that improve housing affordability.
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Accelerate funding and reduce barriers to workforce training programs in high growth areas of the state.
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Continue to fund nonprofits like Communities in Schools that provide services to students and their families.
Tourism
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Ensure local and state hotel occupancy tax stays dedicated to current uses that generate room nights in local communities.
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Maintain a school start date of no earlier than the 4th Monday in August.
Healthcare
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Protect employers from legislation that increases health care costs.
Transportation and infrastructure
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Create new and sustainable sources of revenue to meaningfully meet the needs of high growth regions of the state.
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Pursue an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy that improves grid reliability and keeps costs affordable for businesses and families.
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Protect the ability to issue bonds for infrastructure investments.
State Organizations’ Priorities:
Texas Association of Business Legislative Priorities >
Texas Economic Development Council Legislative Agenda >
Texas Travel Industry Association Advocacy Agenda >
Texas Association of Realtors Legislative Priorities >
