The Chamber's 89th Texas Legislative Priorities
The Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce, on behalf of our member-investors, is a robust and effective advocate for business industry. Public policy directly impacts business and its ability to operate. From funding of workforce development programs, supporting our students and teachers, providing access to quality healthcare, to funding critical infrastructure, legislation is integral to keeping our state and our region economically competitive. The Irving-Las Colinas Chamber takes an integrated approach to develop our policy positions and collaborates with various stakeholders and organizations to effectively advocate for these key business initiatives.
The Chamber’s 89th Texas Legislative Priorities are focused on maintaining a welcoming and favorable business environment and developing a qualified workforce resulting in sustainable economic growth and enhancing our quality of life.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
- Support appropriately funding the Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) and accelerate the decision-making process for these grants.
- Support economic development programs such as R&D Tax Credits and Chapters 380/381 to enhance our ability to compete for more business investment in Texas.
- Support the preservation of Texas· business friendly climate and support the passage of comprehensive and fully inclusive non-discrimination laws.
- Support the thoughtful evaluation and adoption of an appropriate governance framework that protects businesses· safe use of artificial intelligence (Al) while still encouraging and supporting business innovation.
- Support Housing Finance Corporations (HFC) to be required to gain approval of local governments before the property can be removed from the tax rolls.
EDUCATION & WORKFORCE
- Support fully funded public schools with an increased basic allotment and increased teacher pay with reasonable and effective measures of outcomes and accountability.
- Support the reform of the state's assessment (STAAR) and accountability (A-Fl processes to measure all factors to measure all areas of student performance and school ratings.
- Support funding and programs to improve school security and promote mental health of all students.
- Support continued community college finance reform with consideration of out-of-state and private school credit transfer.
- Support policies that make childcare accessible and affordable.
HEALTHCARE
- Support the expansion of Medicaid to address the expected increased need of pre-natal care and critical care for moms and babies.
- Support access to healthcare for all and increased coverage for the under and uninsured.
- Support increased access and tools to population health management and behavioral health.
- Support appropriations to address critical shortage of physicians, nurses and behavioral health professionals including graduate medical education.
- Supports stable predictable and adequate state reimbursement for all healthcare services.
INFRASTRUCTURE
- Support measures and funding to ensure the electric grid will reliably serve the needs of Texans.
- Support Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) between government and private enterprise to address our infrastructure needs more efficiently.
- Support the implementation of an equitable statewide broadband plan, inclusive of both wireless and wireline infrastructure.
- Support the implementation of water management strategies included in the Texas State Water Plan.
- Support the implementation of flood risk reduction solutions included in the Texas State Flood Plan.
