AUSTIN (March 3, 2025) – Today, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and the Texas Association of Business (TAB) applauded the release of key legislative recommendations to enhance Texas’ business environment in a new report from Governor Abbott’s Small Business Freedom Council.

Following the report’s release, NFIB State Director Jeff Burdett and TAB President & CEO Glenn Hamer who serve as co-chairs of the Small Business Freedom Council – issued the following statements:

“I want to thank the hundreds of small business owners who took the time out of their busy schedules to provide feedback to this council. It was an honor to co-chair this effort and ensure Main Street Texans’ voices are heard. This report confirms what many of our job creators know to be true: Texas is the best state in the union to own, operate, and grow a business. Our Governor is committed to ensuring we don’t ever take that for granted — and is instead always thinking of ways to promote greater economic opportunity for Texans. I look forward to working with the Governor and the Legislature to implement these recommendations, so Texas remains a safe haven of entrepreneurialism and free market principles.” — Jeff Burdett, NFIB State Director

“Texas remains the best state in the nation for business, and this report provides a roadmap to ensure small businesses continue to thrive. I was honored to co-chair this effort and appreciate the valuable feedback from state agencies and nearly 700 small businesses across Texas. With Governor Abbott’s leadership and these strategic recommendations, we have a historic opportunity to make this the best legislative session for small businesses in Texas history. By cutting red tape, streamlining regulations, and expanding opportunities, we can strengthen our economy and keep Texas the nation’s top state for business.” — Glenn Hamer, TAB President & CEO

 

The Governor’s Small Business Freedom Council was launched by Governor Abbott in December 2024 to identify ways to cut unnecessary government regulations that impede growth for small businesses and entrepreneurs in Texas. The Freedom Council’s report released this week provides data-driven recommendations based on input from State Agencies and Texas small business owners. It offers the Texas Legislature practical, actionable solutions to eliminate obstacles for small businesses, strengthen the state’s economy, and ensure the Lone Star State remains the nation’s leader in entrepreneurship and free enterprise.

The Freedom Council’s report identifies legislative recommendations for pro-business reforms in the following key categories:

• Regulatory Streamlining & Reducing Bureaucratic Burdens
• Tax & Fee Reductions
• Workforce & Hiring Flexibility
• Procurement & Access to Government Contracts
• Technology & Digital Access

To read the full report, and specific recommendations within each of the above categories, please click here.