Bill

HB 108

85(R) - 2017
House Economic & Small Business Development
Senate Natural Resources & Economic Development
Read Bill & Check Bill Status
House Economic & Small Business Development
Senate Natural Resources & Economic Development
Education
Labor

Vote Recommendation

No
  • Negative
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Negative
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Carol Alvarado

Co-Author(s)

Dennis Paul

Sponsor(s)

Larry Taylor

Co-Sponsor(s)

Sylvia Garcia

Bill Caption

Relating to the creation of the Recruit Texas Program to facilitate the relocation to or expansion in this state of employers offering complex or high-skilled employment opportunities.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. 

Bill Analysis

This bill aims to facilitate the relocation of certain employers who offer high skilled jobs and other higher skilled employment opportunities by using the skills development fund. In conjunction with this, The Texas Workforce Commissioner would be permitted to solicit gifts and donations to carry out this program. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

This bill offends limited government by getting the state even more deeply involved in picking winners and losers in the economy. With an excellent business climate, Texas is already attracting businesses relocating from out of state. Every time the state gives preference to one business or industry it does so unfairly at the expense of other businesses and industries not receiving the same treatment.

To be more attractive, rather then facilitate special deals for specific businesses, Texas should work to make the business environment better across the board by reducing or altogether eliminating the franchise tax. That would make Texas more competitive across the board, treat all businesses fairly, and avoid government tinkering in the market. For these violations of free market and limited government principles we oppose HB 108.