The Chamber held its April Board of Director’s meeting virtually last week, April 29, with Chair of the Board Hope Andrade providing opening remarks. After the approval of the minutes from the February meeting, Chamber Public Policy Chair J.D. Salinas presented
the Chamber's statement of support for Proposition A, which passed the following weekend during San Antonio's General Election on May 1. Proposition A will allow for more flexibility in bond developments. Previously, the City Charter limited bond funds to "public works." Preposition A expands this definition to allow bond dollars to be used for any projects aimed at improving the public good. The Chamber does not support any specific projects funded by bond dollars but supports the flexibility of the City allowing for such an occurrence if it is in the interest of San Antonio. The statement in support of Proposition A was adopted by the Board.
Next, Salinas presented amendments to
the Chamber's federal agenda, which was adopted earlier this year. Four additional priorities were submitted for consideration and approved by the Board:
- Support for a diverse array of energy sources for both transportation and business, which provide a reliable, sustainable, and affordable source of power for businesses and residents alike.
- Support for bipartisan legislation to expand the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit.
- Support for improved transparency and accountability for timely CMS coding reviews for medical devices and lab diagnostics.
- Support for increased mental health care for COVID-19 clinical care staff and patients.
Chamber President & CEO Richard Perez gave his President's Report, where he announced the Chamber would be transitioning from WebEx to Zoom for virtual events and meetings going forward. As Chamber meetings transition back to hybrid or fully in-person, Zoom suits the needs of the Chamber's virtual conversations better.
Richard then introduced Chamber Vice President of Finance Rose Devereaux, who gave the monthly financial report. She noted that the 2020 audit is still in progress but that all fieldwork for the audit was already completed.
Following the financial report, Richard shifted gears to our public policy advocacy at the State Capitol during the Legislative Session. Vice President of Public Policy Stephanie Reyes gave an overview of VIVA San Antonio, which was our virtual multi-day Legislative Summit in late March where San Antonio business leaders and community partners helped lobby on behalf of our city. Stephanie also highlighted several bills currently being tracked through the legislative process.
HB 5, the broadband access bill, which passed the Senate on April 29. This bill is a priority in both the Texas House and Senate, as well as one of the Governor’s emergency items, not to mention a top legislative priority for the Chamber. It was heard on the House floor, where several Senate amendments were offered. However the bill’s author, Rep. Ashby, did not accept Senate amendments, and as a result, a conference committee has been appointed.
HB 1556, a bill to extend and reform of the Texas Economic Development Act, also known as “Chapter 313” of the Texas Tax Code is on the House calendar for May 7. Chapter 313 is a proven, effective economic development tool that allows for agreements on taxable value limitations between school districts in Texas and eligible businesses (meeting certain investment and job creation criteria) for up to a 10-year period.
House Bill 1556 is a bill that has been negotiated and agreed upon by both industry and school representatives. The product of those negotiations is a bill that extends the Chapter 313 program, providing school districts the opportunity to bring jobs and tax wealth to their districts and encourages major investment by employers. The Chamber led the effort to get partner San Antonio Chambers of Commerce and other San Antonio business and industry organizations to sign-on in support of moving HB 1556 out of Calendars Committee and on to the House Floor Calendar for a vote.
HB 19, the trucking liability bill, which would end abusive lawsuit in commercial vehicle accidents. Abusive commercial vehicle lawsuits have created an unsustainable environment that is hurting small and large businesses alike, seriously threatening jobs across Bexar County and the state. The measure passed by a vote of 93-52. HB 19 will be heard in the Senate Transportation Committee on Tuesday, May 12.
SB 6, the pandemic liability bill (another top legislative priority for the Chamber) passed out of the House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence committee on April 28. The bill will now go to the Calendars committee for placement for consideration on the House Floor in the coming weeks.
Leticia Van de Putte, Partner with Andrade-Van de Putte & Associates, the Chamber's lobbying partner, explained the growing talks of gaming legislation and detailed current bills in the legislature which aim to license legalized gaming in the four largest metropolitan cities in Texas as part of "destination resorts," with the goal of increasing tourism and tax revenue. These resorts would also contain restaurants, entertainment, and convention spaces, alongside limited legalized gaming. The majority of the revenue produced by these destination resorts would not come from gaming, but from conventions. The legislation would also grandfather in pre-existing horse and greyhound racing facilities in the state. Van de Putte did not expect the legislation to get a vote this session, but reiterated that the legislation could help propel Texas into a top destination for national and international conventions and summits, like Las Vegas. The measure has been discussed in the legislature for the last ten years, but now receives unprecedented bipartisan support from officials from across the State, Van de Putte said.
Richard shared with the Board that he has been in contact with the City and County concerning the overabundant supply of vaccines, but lower demand from residents to sign up for appointments. Richard urged the members of the Board to think of creative ways to get their staff members and community residents to get signed up for vaccines, such as workplace vaccine drives.
Lastly, Richard and Hope gave their thanks to State and local officials who have helped with the Alamo Plan currently underway.
