NFIB State Director Jeff Burdett said today that the state’s leading small business advocacy group will key-vote House Bill 9, legislation that would lower taxes on the equipment, inventory, and other items businesses use to operate. The House is expected to vote on the measure on Wednesday.

“By key-voting House Bill 9, we’re letting House members know that Texas small businesses strongly support this important legislation,” Burdett said. “We will share how each lawmaker votes with our members — their constituents.”

Burdett said current law exempts businesses from paying property taxes on business personal property if the total value at one location is less than $2,500.

“Small business owners already pay sales taxes when they buy equipment and inventory. The business personal property tax means they’re taxed again — year after year — on the same items,” Burdett said. “House Bill 9 would let voters decide whether to raise that exemption to the first $250,000 of a business’s personal property.

“There’s a lot of uncertainty right now for small business owners, and it’s getting worse,” Burdett said. “NFIB’s latest Optimism Index shows fewer owners believe business conditions will improve over the next six months. Inflation is still a major concern, and fewer owners think it’s a good time to expand.”

“House Bill 9 would ease the financial burden on Main Street businesses and help them grow, create jobs, and support their communities,” Burdett said.