Texas Governor Greg Abbott gave a state address to business leaders at the Dallas Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon Wednesday.
The Republican governor touted the state’s business-friendly economy. He said plans for the current session of the Texas legislature would make it even better.
“It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from. Texas is a land of opportunities for everyone to come, create jobs and participate in the prosperity that only Texas can offer,” Abbott said.
Dallas Democratic Party Vice Chair Cardar Coleman said many groups have been barred from opportunities in Texas.
“There are also many barriers. Texas is the most uninsured state in the country, so there are many barriers to becoming the land of opportunity that Governor Abbott is talking about,” Coleman said.
Abbott said the proposed deregulation would free businesses from bureaucracy and help create jobs.
“We are in the midst of big, massive regulatory reforms that could become a model for other states in the country to adopt,” Abbott said.
The reforms mentioned by Abbott include state-standardized building permit regulations, rather than individual cities setting regulations and standards.
The city of Dallas has struggled in the past few years to issue permits as quickly as builders say they have received them in the suburbs. I am against it. The governor said a unified state approach to permitting oversight would speed up the process and help builders.
“It’s much better to have just one permitting process that you know you can follow to significantly reduce the cost of doing business,” he said.
Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce President Harrison Blair attended the DRC luncheon.
“We want to find out what this massive undertone is really telling policy,” Blair said.
One of the deregulations Abbott has requested of state agencies and universities is the removal of diversity, equity and inclusion goals.
“So when we talk about access for all, think about all department heads statewide. That’s what we’re really trying to achieve in our society,” Blair said.
Abbott said half of the state’s record $33 billion budget surplus should be used to cut both property and business personal property taxes.
Some legislators support including a sales tax cut to help renters who aren’t paying property taxes.
Coleman said the budget surplus could be used more to help people.
“Give teachers a $15,000 raise this year. .
Much of what Abbott suggested is still the subject of debate in Austin. His critics said he would reserve final judgment until he saw the final details of the proposed bill.
