Tagged: economy

A Democratic senator was able to add a last-minute provision to the last of Gov. Rick Perry’s business tax cut bills calling for more oversight and monitoring of the program. 

Sen. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston, was able to add his provision to House Bill 500, which provides  Texas small businesses with $600 million in tax cuts.

The attachment bill would have the Texas Comptroller review the businesses receiving a tax cut to be sure such cuts were effective.

A bill that provides $630 million worth of tax incentives has already made its way out of the House, and is now heading to the Senate floor for a vote.

The bill has been altered from its original wording, streamlining those benefiting down to one business group.

"I explained to my colleagues as we’ve been trying to work through this in the last couple of days: It’s almost like I have to pick which three of my kids gets something and which do not. It’s almost impossible," said Sen. Glenn Hegar, R-Katy, who is carrying the bill in the Senate.

In the first segment:

When cities and counties try to attract big businesses, they have several tools in their toolbox.  Tax abatements or breaks to businesses that bring jobs have become the new normal, so are they worth it?  

Today we talk with Brian Kelsey, professor at the University of Texas, Austin and principle at Civic Analytics, and with David Marquez from Bexar County Economic Development about what these all mean and why cities and counties are going this route.

In the first segment:

San Antonio was given an A in terms of business friendliness by thumbtack.com.   What does it mean to be business-friendly?  And is it all that is cracked up to be?  

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ramiro Cavazos joins us to speak to the business environment here in San Antonio.