Yesterday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott took steps to tighten the state's economic policies, revealing the formation of his Small Business Freedom Council—an initiative aimed at trimming down government red tape for local enterprises. The Council's mission is to dissect current governmental processes to hone in on efficiency, particularly where Texas businesses are concerned.
This new body is not just advisory; it has been assigned a clear and specific goal. Governor Abbott is not only advocating for change but also requesting actionable recommendations from state agencies. In a letter to state agency leaders, he made his directive clear: identify and propose reductions to unnecessary regulations that may be hindering small businesses. "One of my priorities as Governor is to empower small business owners and entrepreneurs by providing the best environment for small business growth,” Governor Abbott's letter outlined, as per an announcement on the official website of the Governor of Texas.
The guidance goes further, directing the Office of Small Business Assistance within the Economic Development and Tourism Office to carefully review rules, fees, and regulations that create obstacles for small businesses and entrepreneurs. The governor’s letter asks these agencies to pinpoint specific areas within their scope that could discourage the formation, operation, and growth of small businesses. Leading the council are two prominent figures in the business community: Glenn Hamer, CEO of the Texas Association of Business, and Jeff Burdett, Texas State Director of the National Federation of Independent Business. Their expertise is expected to provide valuable insight throughout the process.
Texas state agencies have until January 13, 2025, to submit their recommendations to Governor Abbott’s office. Afterward, the Governor’s Small Business Freedom Council will gather and report their findings, which are expected to shape future actions aimed at reinforcing Texas's reputation as a small business-friendly state. The goal is clear: to maintain and strengthen the Lone Star State's status as an attractive destination for living, working, and entrepreneurship. The progress of this initiative will likely be closely monitored by stakeholders across the state and beyond as it develops.
