Exciting action happens while the legislature is in session; bills are introduced, debated, passed and signed. However, the Texas Legislature is only in session every other year, specifically the odd numbered years. The interim is when the bills are actually written and legislative committees meet to raise issues for consideration in the next session. There is also less pressure on legislators and staff, so meetings are more easily scheduled.

We have a very important job during the interim; we voice the concerns and priorities of the business community of Greater Arlington to ensure the issues our elected official address during next year’s session benefits businesses. The Chamber travels to Austin to meet with members of the legislature to support issues that attract and retain jobs and capital investments in Texas. The Chamber has been working tirelessly to fight for the renewal of Chapter 313, which is the part of the Texas Tax Code that allows school districts to limit property taxes on major new investments in Texas. Chapter 313 is set to expire in 2022, and it must be reauthorized in this session or the valuable economic development tool it provides will go away.

The Chamber collected data that proves how Chapter 313 benefits the business community and presented our case to Senator Beverly Powell and the chief of staff for Representative Tony Tinderholt. In February, we also advocated for the reauthorization of Chapter 313 on behalf of the business community to Senator Brian Birdwell and to the staff of the Senate Natural Resources and Economic Development Committee which he chairs. The Chamber also joined the Texas Taxpayer and Research Association to visit with their CEO about strategies for keeping Chapter 313 alive.

The Chamber may be working behind the scenes, but now is when the real action takes place. Once bills are written and the session draws near, we find other ways to create an impact. CLICK HERE to learn more about how you can get involved.