Texas Association of Business gives presentation

February 20, 2025

By Michelle Rodriguez

Belton Journal

The Belton Economic Development Corporation and the Belton Chamber of Commerce hosted Megan Mauro with the Texas Association of Business (TAB) as she presented on the 89th state legislative session.

The meeting was held at the Harris Community Center on Friday.

“The Texas Association of Business is the state chamber of commerce official state affiliate of the National Manufacturers Association. We are non-partisan and our number one job is to advocate for pro-business issues,” said Mauro.

She listed Governor Abbott’s emergency items in her PowerPoint presentation which are property tax relief, school choice, water supply, teacher pay raises, career training, cyber security, bail reform, border security, and expanding mental healthcare.

She listed TAB’s top priorities as tax relief, technology and innovation, and energy and electricity.

“TAB’s priority for tax relief that is long term and equally distributed across the board, tax revision and extension of research and development tax credits, and government efficiency,” said Mauro.

TAB’s other top priorities are infrastructure, education and workforce, and economic development.

“TAB’s priority for education and workforce are career readiness programs, dual-use and STEM, teacher pay increases, and childcare tax incentives, and tri-share models. TAB’s priority for economic development is to support existing and future state semiconductors and space initiatives, prioritize funding for critical incentives, research and development tax credits, Texas Enterprise Fund, and strategic tax exemptions to boost competitiveness, and support legislation that gives Texans the opportunity to vote for the creation of destination resorts with gaming in the state,” said Mauro.

Senate Bill 1135 filed by Texas Senator Brent Hagenbuch, representing District 30, is related to the civil liability of a commercial motor vehicle owner or operator. It is designed to protect businesses from frivolous lawsuits.

Senate Bill 26 filed by Senator Brandon Creighton establishes a new teacher retention allotment.

House Bill 2 filed by Brad Buckley aims to improve public education and school funding.

“Texas is a top exporting state with Mexico and Canada counting for half. The relationship is critical to the Texas economy,” said Mauro.

Mauro ended her presentation with a question-and-answer session from those in attendance of the meeting. The first question asked was what the business owners do when they are unable to find help locally.

“There are a lot of state resources. Check small business governor webpages, and contact local lawmakers,” said Mauro.

Another question asked by an attendee was about the new childcare bill.

“The new childcare matching bill would be an addition to what the Workforce already has. It is another tool that is already in use in Florida, Georgia, and Kentucky. It is used to fill the gaps,” said Mauro.

TAB is an advocate for businesses and growth is coming for businesses and schools.