Small business owners from across Texas gathered today in Austin for NFIB’s Small Business Day, urging lawmakers to support legislation that eases financial and regulatory burdens on Main Street businesses.

“Small businesses are the foundation of Texas’s economy, but many of our members are struggling under the weight of excessive taxes and regulations,” NFIB State Director Jeff Burdett said.

“Small Business Day allows our members to engage with elected leaders and advocate for policies that support growth, job creation, and long-term success,” Burdett said.

NFIB members are asking lawmakers to support the following bills:

• HB 9/SB 32 – Increases the exemption for the business personal property tax. “This tax is unfair because it forces business owners to pay taxes on the same equipment, inventory, and furniture year after year,” Burdett said. “Raising the exemption beyond the current $2,500 would provide much-needed financial relief.”
• HB 10, HB 3667, and SB 14 – Build on the success of Governor Abbott’s Small Business Freedom Council to reduce excessive regulations that hinder small business growth.
• HB 138/SB 818 and HB 4806/30 – Limits the rise in insurance costs. “Health insurance remains one of the biggest challenges our members face, but the problem goes beyond that,” Burdett said. “Rising premiums for property, casualty, and liability insurance make it harder for them to operate a business in Texas.”
• HB 4061/SB 2056 and HB 4124/SB 2026 – Improves transparency in credit card processing fees. “Hidden fees drive up costs for small businesses and their customers, costing them millions of dollars a year,” Burdett said. “It’s time to put an end to that.”

“These bills will create a more predictable and fair business environment and enable small businesses to reinvest, expand, and create jobs without being crushed by unnecessary costs and regulations,” he said. “That’s why our members are urging lawmakers to vote ‘yes’ on this critical legislation.”