Governor’s Small Business Freedom Council
On December 4, 2024, Governor Greg Abbott launched the Small Business Freedom Council to review government efficiency for Texas businesses. This council will produce a report identifying ways to cut unnecessary government regulations that impede small business formation and growth.
The Governor has instructed the Office of Small Business Assistance (OSBA) to recommend the elimination of rules, fees and regulations that create barriers to the success of small businesses and entrepreneurs and has asked state agency heads to provide input in identifying any rules and regulations that hamper small business operation and growth. The Small Business Freedom Council is co-chaired by the President of the Texas Association of Business, the State Director for the National Federation of Independent Business and includes the current members of the Small Business Advisory Task Force along with six small business owners from across Texas. They will review the state agency recommendations and produce a report for potential future action.
Members:
Co-Chair – Jeff Burdett, National Federation for Independent Business (NFIB)
Co-Chair – Glenn Hamer, Texas Association of Business (TAB)
Tony Bennett, Texas Association of Manufacturers
Erika Boyd, Texas Travel Alliance
John Bradford, Front Porch Distillery
Eduardo Contreras, ALCON DTS
Shelly deZevallos, Ed.D., West Houston Airport
Lisa Fullerton, A Novel Idea, LLC
Patricia Garza, Reyes Diesel
J.R. Gonzales, Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC)
Emily Knight, Texas Restaurant Association
Grady Mack, Crescent Electric Co.
John McCord, Texas Retailers Association
Charles O'Neal, Texas Association of African American Chambers of Commerce (TAAACC)
Kaycee Ryan, SERVPRO of Wichita Falls
Seth Soloman, Swann Animal Clinic
Todd Staples, Texas Oil & Gas Association
Omar Veliz, Veliz Construction
Sheila Williams, Easter Heat & Air
Report: