In the last few weeks, the legislature has picked up momentum. The House committees have begun meeting and hearing bills, the Senate has passed several more items, including some significant changes to the Texas Lottery Commission and the creation of a new Dementia Prevention and Research Institute. With the March 14th bill filing deadline fast approaching, legislative activity is ramping up. Meanwhile, Governor Abbott announced the state’s fourth economic development agreement under the new JETI program, which was passed as HB 5 last session.

Policy Brief: Infrastructure and Power Needs, and How SB 6 Could Impact the State’s Grid and Large Load Users

Infrastructure is key to economic growth. One of Opportunity Austin’s top legislative agenda items is supporting investments in dispatchable electric generation and transmission. We also support water infrastructure investments to develop new water supply and upgrade aging systems. Our Infrastructure Policy Brief discusses why these two areas are critical for our work in economic development and what some of the key legislative proposals look like this session.

Session Preview

Memo: Police data shows Sixth Street safety pilot has ‘positive effects’ so far: Recent changes to how Sixth Street operates on evenings and weekends are showing early signs of making a positive impact on public safety.

Effort to alter the use of Chapter 380 and 381 incentives rattles economic development leaders: As expected, a Senate Bill has been filed that would place significant restrictions on the use of incentives through Chs.380 and 381. 

Texas Is the Low-Cost, High-Reward Darling of Big Tech: Tech jobs are transforming and diversifying Texas’ economy. “Having dinner in downtown Austin “is like being in Silicon Valley circa 2005”.

OA Day at the Capitol

Join us on April 2 for Opportunity Austin Day at the Capitol. This event offers an opportunity to meet with legislative leaders and advocate for our key priorities. The day will begin with an 11:00 AM lunch in the Capitol Extension with a guest speaker followed by meetings with legislative offices in the afternoon, and a reception in the early evening. Several of you have volunteered so far, but there is still room for more. 

More details are coming soon. If you are interested in participating, please email VP of Policy & Advocacy, Matt Creel. 

OA Policy and Advocacy Resources 

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