You may have heard the old expression, “there is no rest for
the weary.” Well, for a statewide trade association representing the voice of
small business owners in all 254 counties of Texas that proves very true.
The legislature may not be in session, but that doesn’t mean
they’re not meeting weekly making policy plans for the next session and
conjuring up either new regulations or how to amend old regulations. What does
that mean for you, the small business owner? Be alert! And, because you have a
day job and employees to look after, you need your association to be alert… and
that, we are. Since legislative session wrapped up in June, NFIB/Texas staff
has attended dozens of interim hearings ranging from state affairs to business
and commerce, and everything in-between including finance, natural resources
and special committees on property tax reform. Heck, in one week alone there
were four legislative hearings covering a broad spectrum of issues. It’s okay
though, the coffee is in full supply at the NFIB/Texas office.
Although, the current state seems glum, the forecast is optimistic. Comptroller Hegar reassured the audience that the Texas coffers are full, with $9.6 billion in the Economic Stabilization Fund (or Rainy Day Fund), and that the legislature left us some money in the bank, so to speak. Fun fact, the Economic Stabilization Fund was created in the 1980s during the big oil crash. Hegar reports that Texas is more protected these days as opposed to in the 80s because we’re more diversified with our currency.
That same day, NFIB/Texas Leadership Council member Chuck Toudouze attended the first of many hearings on property tax reform in San Antonio. It was a full crowd with mixed opinions about reforming the current property tax system, but Chuck was there to provide the Senate committee with written testimony, which did not go unnoticed because the chairman of the committee reported back to the NFIB/Texas office that it was well-received and much appreciated.
That being said, there will be many more hearings on property tax reform around the state and we encourage the attendance and/or participation of any and all NFIB/Texas members. Be on the look-out for the next one in your area and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest. The Select Committee on Property Tax Reform & Relief will hold its next hearing on February 11 in Harlingen.
Lastly, there will also be an opportunity for NFIB/Texas members to attend statewide educational hearings on the State Water Plan and how that affects your community and your business. The Texas Water Tour is hosted by a coalition of Texas legislators, business leaders, and statewide stakeholders.
Keep up to date on all of the issues that affect your business on NFIB/Texas’ social media. We have all hands on deck, all eyes on the policymakers, and all of your interests at heart.
