Yesterday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott made a decisive move to change the regulatory landscape of the state by signing Senate Bill 14 into law. This piece of legislation, known as Texas DOGE, creates the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office, a new initiative aimed to streamline government processes and cut red tape. The bill, which found favor in both the Texas Senate and House, was designed to make the government more efficient, less intrusive, and more aligned with the demands of businesses.
"We are putting at the forefront of legislation the shaping, formation, and recalibration of government in the State of Texas to make it more responsive and more efficient," Abbott said at the signing ceremony. He underscored the intent to firmly place a check on the growth of the administrative state. Texas DOGE is also expected to firmly implement stricter standards on new regulations that could impact businesses financially. According to a statement on the governor's website, this move assures that the state's operations remain at pace with business speeds.
The event was not a solitary affair but a confluence of prominent state figures, including Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker Dustin Burrows, and other legislative and business leaders. Each voiced their support for the new law, commending its potential to enhance economic opportunity and maintain Texas' reputation as a business-friendly state.
"This law will slash regulations, put stricter standards on new regulations that could be costly to businesses, and put a check on the growth of the administrative state," Abbott proclaimed. The bill expects to not only make government more efficient and less costly but also ensures Texas operates at the requisite speed of business. Echoing this sentiment was Representative Giovanni Capriglione, who stated, "The days of wasteful spending and government bloat have officially been DOGE'd," as reported on the governor's website.
Senator Phil King, who crafted Senate Bill 14, highlighted its focus on the needs of hard-working Texans and the benefits of streamlining an outdated regulatory system. Jeff Burdett, Texas State Director of the National Federation of Independent Business, emphasized the legislation's historical significance for Texas small businesses. The creation of the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office is seen as a cornerstone for reducing regulations, taxes, and workforce barriers. This effort is praised by many, including Texas Association of Business President and CEO Glenn Hamer, as a model for the nation in driving government efficiency and supporting entrepreneurial growth.
