Ready....Set.....Go.....TAPC’s Day on the Hill!

By Jake Posey and Steve Koebele
TAPC External Lobbyists

The 2009 Texas Legislative Session is finally upon us and the TAPC advocacy team is geared up and ready to deliver our message of job creation, innovation, and stability in today’s marketplace. The members of the TAPC play a vital role in the Texas economy, supporting over $900 million in revenue generation and sourcing thousands of jobs every year for a growing state economy.

During the 2007 Texas Legislative Session the TAPC and its advocacy teams worked to ensure fair tax treatment for our industry and many of its member companies. This session, we begin with a predicted $9.1 billion shortfall in state revenue which will almost certainly mean the state will be looking for ways to regain revenue. Rest assured, if this means changes to the Margins Tax then the TAPC advocacy team will be ready and will join forces with our member companies to work against any measures to add additional taxes to your business!

Following the TAPC’s successful work related to the Margins Tax in 2007, the Comptroller of Public Accounts produced a report, with input from appointed small business owners across Texas, to highlight the successes or failures of the new Margins Tax and its impact on Texas businesses. Click here to read this important report. It will provide you with a glimpse into what the state will be doing with this new tax in the future.

Finally, the TAPC Day on the Hill will take place on January 28, 2009. If you’re not registered to join us in Austin then you’ll be missing out on an important opportunity to advocate for your business in Texas! Please contact Helene Cavanaugh today to sign up for this important day and join your fellow TAPC member companies as we fan out across the Texas Capitol to deliver our message of Education, Legislation, Communication and Participation!

Thank you again for your genuine support and excitement about the TAPC. Your dues contributions help to defray the expenses associated with the commitment toward fighting legislation that is detrimental to our industry and to supporting issues which are favorable. As always, if you have any questions or ideas, please call Jake at (512) 646-0828 or Steve at (512) 646-7406.