06 Feb Texas LGBTQ Chambers Legislative Agenda Texas 88th Legislature
The Texas Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer (LGBTQ) Chambers of Commerce is a coalition of the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce, North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce, and San Antonio LGBT Chamber of Commerce. We work to achieve equality and inclusion by promoting economic vitality in our communities and strengthening LGBTQ and ally businesses.
The 1,000+ LGBTQ and Allied businesses of the Chambers speak with one voice. We call upon our local elected representatives to introduce or support legislation that supports diversity in the workplace and opposes discrimination. In Texas, when business thrives, people prosper. For this to happen, all Texans must be included and respected.
BUSINESS COMPETITIVENESS
| Action | Item |
| Support | Passage of a comprehensive and fully inclusive non-discrimination law |
| Support | Reforms to state procurement policies to include certified LGBT business enterprises. |
| Support | Continuation of funding for economic development incentive programs including but not limited to: the Texas Enterprise Fund, Event Trust Fund, Texas Tourism, the Texas Music Office, and the Texas Film Commission at levels that keeps Texas competitive with other states. |
| Support | Legislation that improves racial equity in all sectors of the state including education, employment, healthcare and criminal justice. |
| Opposed | Any bill that would restrict gender expression of any performer or define the performance as adult-content on basis of gender nonconforming attire. |
| Opposed | Any bill that would be discriminatory or otherwise damage Texas as a business-friendly state. |
EDUCATION & WORKFORCE
| Action | Item |
| Support | Legislation that maintains public school funding levels established by HB3. |
| Support | Encourage each school operated by a school district or charter school to provide training and resources for the support of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) pupils, and strategies to increase support for LGBTQ+ pupils and thereby improve overall school climate |
| Support | Continuing to invest in Small Business Development Centers and their professional business advising and training programs for small business owners. |
| Support | Investing in technology including infrastructure for greater student connectivity and access. |
| Opposed | Any use of school district fund balances to offset state financial obligations. |
HEALTH & WELLNESS
| Action | Item |
| Support | Reducing the number of uninsured Texans by securing all available federal funds for the state Medicaid program. |
| Support | Increasing mental health funding, as well as alcohol and prescription drug dependency and abuse funding, to reduce overall burden placed upon taxpayers. |
| Support | Ensure adequate resources to promote health equity and reduce health care disparities. Provide for cultural awareness and competency training. |
| Opposed | Any restriction on medically approved healthcare for transgender youths or adults. |
| Opposed | Any cuts to HIV treatment and preventative health services. |
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
| Action | Item |
| Opposed | Legislation that limits an individual’s right to gender expression. |
| Opposed | Any attempt by the state legislature to further preempt cities’ or counties’ ability to govern and raise funds as determined necessary (i.e., revenue caps), or penalize municipalities who increased taxes above the existing cap due to COVID-19 expenses. |
| Opposed | Legislation that would erode municipal authority related to development matters, including with respect to the following issues: annexation, eminent domain, public right-of-way, zoning, and building codes. |
INFRASTRUCTURE
| Action | Item |
| Support | Continuing the policy of no diversions from the Highway Trust Fund. |
| Support | Maintaining existing law relating to eminent domain authority to allow planning and development of new and/or expanded transportation corridors including highways, high speed rail, commuter rail, freight rail, and transit. |
| Support | Continuing to implement and adequately fund the Texas State Water Plan to meet the water supply needs associated with future population growth and the economic development. |
| Opposed | Any attempt to impose a state tax on jet fuel. |
Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce
Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1997 as the Stonewall Chamber of Commerce, in 2004 the Austin Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce was renamed with a mission to empower and strengthen the LGBT business community and its allies.
Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 2016, the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce accelerates economic growth for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender business community using an entrepreneurial approach through a strong network of business allies, innovative programs, strategic partnerships and advance policies that foster inclusion and equality.
North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 2004, the North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce fosters an inclusive business community that promotes economic vitality, connects members, and advocates on their behalf. We work to achieve equality through business.
San Antonio LGBT Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 2004, the North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce fosters an inclusive business community that promotes economic vitality, connects members, and advocates on their behalf. We work to achieve equality through business.