AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott released the Governor’s Small Business Freedom Council comprehensive report earlier this month with recommendations to cut unnecessary government bureaucracy that create barriers to small business success in Texas.
“Small businesses are the very backbone of the Texas economy,” Abbott said. “Texas is the top state for small business growth, with over 3 million small businesses employing nearly half of the Texas workforce.”
In December 2024, Abbott announced the formation of his Small Business Freedom Council to review government efficiency for Texas businesses, and directed state agencies to provide recommendations to cut unnecessary government regulations that hamper small business formation, operation, or growth.
“To ensure that prosperity reaches every Texas family and every Texas business, I created the Council to identify ways to slash burdensome rules, fees, and regulations,” he said.
“From the recommendations of the Council working with state agencies and small businesses, the state will cut red tape to help Texas small business owners and entrepreneurs grow and succeed.”
The Governor’s Small Business Freedom Council’s legislative recommendations will: — Eliminate unnecessary regulations and fees that increase costs and create delays.
— Reduce tax and financial burdens to encourage investment and expansion.
— Modernize government processes to improve efficiency and ease compliance.
— Enhance workforce and hiring flexibility to address labor shortages.
— Increase small business access to capital and state contracts to fuel growth.
“Texas remains the best state in the nation for business, and this report provides a roadmap to ensure small businesses continue to thrive,” said Texas Association of Business President and CEO Glenn Hamer.
“By cutting red tape, streamlining regulations and expanding opportunities, we can strengthen our economy and keep Texas the nation’s top state for business,” Hamer said.
In his State of the State Address, Abbott declared property tax relief an emergency item for the 89th Legislative Session. The 2026-27 governor’s budget recommends providing tax relief for small businesses by increasing the business personal property tax exemption to $100,000.
The Texas Senate and Texas House have signaled their support for at least $500 million in business property tax relief.
“I want to thank the hundreds of small business owners who took the time out of their busy schedules to provide feedback to the Freedom Council,” said Texas State Director of the National Federation of Independent Business Jeff Burdett. “This report confirms what many of our job creators know to be true: Texas is the best state in the union to own, operate, and grow a business.”
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