Austin News

Governor Greg Abbott has unveiled a comprehensive report from the Governor’s Small Business Freedom Council, outlining strategies to reduce bureaucratic obstacles for small businesses in Texas. The initiative aims to streamline regulations and enhance opportunities for entrepreneurs across the state.

“Small businesses are the very backbone of the Texas economy,” stated Governor Abbott. He highlighted that Texas leads in small business growth, with over three million such enterprises employing nearly half of the state's workforce. Abbott emphasized his commitment to ensuring prosperity reaches all Texans by cutting burdensome rules and fees through recommendations from the council.

Glenn Hamer, President and CEO of the Texas Association of Business, praised the report as a roadmap for continued success. “Texas remains the best state in the nation for business," he said, expressing gratitude for contributions from state agencies and small businesses. Hamer noted that with strategic recommendations under Abbott's leadership, there is an opportunity to make this legislative session historic for small businesses.

Jeff Burdett, Texas State Director of the National Federation of Independent Business, also expressed appreciation towards small business owners who provided feedback. He affirmed that "Texas is the best state in the union to own, operate, and grow a business." Burdett looks forward to collaborating with Abbott and legislators on implementing these recommendations.

The council's legislative proposals include eliminating unnecessary regulations and fees, reducing tax burdens to encourage investment, modernizing government processes for efficiency, enhancing workforce flexibility to address labor shortages, and increasing access to capital and state contracts.

In December 2024, Governor Abbott formed his Small Business Freedom Council tasked with reviewing government efficiency affecting Texas businesses. In his State of the State Address earlier this year, he declared property tax relief an emergency item for discussion during the 89th Legislative Session. His budget proposal suggests raising exemptions on business personal property taxes significantly while both legislative chambers have shown support for substantial property tax relief measures.

The report compiled feedback from 46 state agencies and nearly 700 small business owners across Texas. It offers guidance aimed at removing barriers hindering small business growth while reinforcing Texas' status as an economic leader nationally.