Will Newton assesses the small business wins and losses in the 84th Texas Legislature.
An Update from Your NFIB/Texas State Director
The beginning of June marks the end of the 84th Session of the Texas Legislature and the end of the opportunity for many lawmakers to meddle in the affairs of the small business community. It has often been said that neither man nor beast can rest easy while the Texas Legislature is in session and this session was no different. As you will see in Annie’s report, we are happy to announce that small business owners, homeowners, employees, and consumers fared well in 2015. During the 140 days of session, good bills passed, i.e. major tax relief, and bad bills died, i.e. employer mandates.
Texas legislators have returned to their districts to live under the laws they have passed and to meet with their constituents in town halls and individually about those laws. They are also looking for feedback on their successes and even their failures — this is where you come in. Session allows your NFIB/Texas staff the opportunity to score big successes for you so that you are allowed the opportunity “to own, operate, and grow your businesses” as the NFIB mission states. We are scored based on your satisfaction and our ability to enact meaningful reforms like the 25 percent franchise tax cut that we have long called for, killing harmful legislation that would intrude on the employee-employer relationship, and other bills that could make you a walking case for litigation.
Our successes during the interim can also be measured based on how many NFIB members get active, involved, and engaged. Pericles said in 460 BC, “Just because you don’t take an interest in politics doesn’t mean politics won’t take an interest in you.” What holds true then, holds true today! Now is the time to reach out to your state representative and senator and become an advocate for your business and the entire small business community. Visit your lawmakers to let them know how public policy can impact your business and ability to create jobs for the local community. You must become the key source of information for them and provide the feedback they need, to keep Texas strong for small business. Now is the time to cultivate that relationship, because by the time we are in next session it’s simply too late.
We hope you take this challenge and report back to your NFIB/Texas team about your meetings.
Thank you,
Will Newton
NFIB/Texas Executive Director
