NFIB

Texas names new workers’ compensation commissioner at TDI
Gov. Rick Perry named Albert Betts Jr. of Austin as commissioner of the Division of Workers’ Compensation at the Texas Department of Insurance for a term to expire Feb. 1, 2007.

He has been appointed to lead the division as it implements H.B. 7 workers’ compensation reforms. H.B. 7 is the reform package that NFIB/Texas fully supported and worked on during the 79th legislature.

“Albert Betts brings exceptional experience and expertise in this field to his new role at the Texas Department of Insurance,” Perry said. “I have every confidence that he will lead the division well as it implements future reforms to the workers’ compensation system.”

Betts currently serves as chief of staff and senior associate commissioner of operations at the Texas Department of Insurance. He previously served as general counsel for the State Office of Risk Management, assistant general counsel for the Texas Workers’ Compensation Commission and assistant attorney general for the Office of the Attorney General.

NFIB/Texas State Director Will Newton and Grassroots Coordinator Malaise Murphy will be traveling to Brownsville on Sept. 14 to host a luncheon for small-business owners to discuss the recently adjourned 79th legislature. NFIB/Texas successfully fought back a determined attempt to give millions of dollars in tax relief to major corporations and capital-intensive industries and place the burden of paying for state services squarely on the backs of Texas’ small-business owners. The legislature failed in their latest attempt to saddle you and your business with new taxes on gross receipts and payrolls – but they are finished yet.

Come to the meeting and find out how you can help fight to keep Texas open for small business. We won the battle but the war rages on--do your part to kill unnecessary taxation and regulation in Texas!

Please call the NFIB/Texas office at (512) 476-9847 to register for the event and get the times and location.