The Chamber’s Legislative Committee hosted Representative Roland Gutierrez (TX-119), Dean of the San Antonio Delegation, last week. Rep. Gutierrez discussed the top issues legislators will be tackling this legislative session, including the budget.
The legislative session began January 10, and we have already begun to see the debate about how and where the state should spend its money. Rep. Gutierrez says investing in Child Protective Services and public education are top on his priority list.
While the budget is much leaner than last biennium, Rep. Gutierrez says he will continue efforts to secure additional funding for the Alamo Master Plan. The House budget includes a proposed $75 million for the project, and Speaker Straus has shown strong support.
Rep. Gutierrez discussed a bill he plans to introduce in the coming weeks that will provide tax relief to small businesses. As a small business owner himself, he understands how increased property taxes are detrimental to small business growth and expansion. He is proposing a bill that would provide an appraisal cap on commercial properties, similar to the 10 percent cap on residential properties.
Rep. Gutierrez also touched on sanctuary cities, economic development incentives such as TEF and Chapter 313, as well as the heated debate over SB6. He urges the Chamber to stay engaged with our state legislators and keep a strong presence at the State Capitol. There have been more bills filed this legislative session than this time last session, and we can expect many more by the March 10 filing deadline.
Rep. Gutierrez serves on the following committees: Licensing & Administrative Procedures (Vice-Chair), Local & Consent Calendars, Government Transparency & Operation, Advertising Public Notices (Vice Chair).
