North Texas Commission Board Approves 2017 Legislative Priorities, Support for High-Speed Rail

North Texas – The North Texas Commission, a regional, public-private partnership, released its 2017 Legislative priorities in advance of the Texas Legislature’s 85th session. The priorities of the North Texas Commission focus on pro-growth state tax and regulatory policies that grow our economy and attract investment.

“The Texas Miracle has been a driving force behind the major corporate relocations to North Texas, and to keeping our employment levels strong,” said James D. Spaniolo, president and CEO of the North Texas Commission. “We encourage our policymakers to focus on policy that keeps Texas innovative and competitive, and keeping this miracle alive.”

The 2017 Legislative Priorities focus on transportation, water, education and healthcare as well as support of the continuation of the Texas Enterprise Fund at an increased level to keep Texas competitive and support of local control for property taxation decisions and appraisals. The North Texas Commission opposes any legislation that would result in a “split roll” between residential and business property taxation and opposes any bill that would be discriminatory or otherwise damage Texas’ reputation as a “business-friendly” State.

Additionally, the North Texas Commission Board approved a resolution supporting the Texas high-speed rail project connecting North Texas with Houston. This project is key to ensuring a robust transportation system as our two regions continue to prosper, especially as traffic congestion is expected to double in the next 20 years.

The full North Texas Commission 2017 Legislative Priorities are available at ntc-dfw.org/about-us/programs/advocate.

Established in 1971, the North Texas Commission is a regional non-profit consortium of businesses, cities, counties, chambers of commerce, economic development entities and higher education institutions in the North Texas region. The North Texas Commission improves the economic vitality, infrastructure and lifestyle of North Texas by marketing the region, promoting collaboration and advocating on critical issues.

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