It’s time for a fair deal for workers, new revenue streams, less corporate welfare, and more support for small businesses.
It’s not incorrect that the Texas economy is strong because of low taxes and regulation. It’s just wrong that Texas workers are expected to bear the whole burden of corporate welfare. Texas can remain highly competitive for businesses large and small while still treating folks right:
Guarantee Fair Pay. The last time Texas raised the minimum wage was in 2009…to $7.25 an hour. Great. The law should require that the minimum wage be a living wage. Anything less is, of course, a form of corporate welfare at the expense of taxpayers and workers. It’s time we start calling it what it is, and demanding fair pay for all Texans.
Support Small Farms & Businesses. Billionaires and giant corporations can fend for themselves. So now that Texas has established itself as a leader in big business, the time has come to create tax incentives, training programs, and regulator reforms that enable Texans to build their dreams. Whether that is a farm-to-market goat cheese operation, a microbrewery, or a tech startup, our government should support entrepreneurs as much as they support huge multinationals.
Create New Revenue Streams. It’s pretty clear at this point that we’re way behind the curve. Given the shortfalls in funding for schools, roads, and other critical programs, the next legislature must legalize medical marijuana with an eye towards quickly progressing to full recreational legalization…before the opportunity to collect billions in new revenue goes up in smoke.
Encourage Work-Life Balance. The state should allow all non-essential state employees to work from home at least 1-2 days per week. And, by example and incentive, it should encourage local governments and the private sector to follow suit. This will not only lead to stronger family ties and greater work-life balance, but it will also help alleviate the pressure on our overcrowded highways.