FROM THE GOVERNOR

Abbott signs laws to bolster Texas small businesses AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott signed House Joint Resolution 1, House Bill 9, House Bill 346, House Bill 2464, and House Bill 5195 into law to support Texas’ small businesses while virtually attending the Houston Regional Business Coalition luncheon. Passed during the 89th Regular Legislative Session, these new laws will accelerate the process for starting a business in Texas and cut unnecessary government regulations on small businesses.

“The Texas economy is better than ever before,” said Governor Abbott. “This session, we took strategic steps to boost small businesses in Texas. Even the smallest of barriers can increase the cost of doing business. We want to make it easier and less costly for businesses in Texas, especially our small business owners.”

During his virtual remarks to the Houston Regional Business Coalition, Governor Abbott highlighted the strength of the Texas economy, noting that Houston is a big part of that success with the third most Fortune 500 headquarters in the nation and almost one million small businesses. The Governor also discussed the critical work accomplished during the 89th Regular Legislative Session to bolster Texas’ No. 1 ranking for business, including expanding business courts, codifying the business judgment rule, investing in water and grid infrastructure, and expanding career training programs. The laws signed by the Governor build on the progress started under his Small Business Freedom Council, which he launched last year to review government efficiency for Texas businesses and provide recommendations to cut unnecessary government regulations.

House Joint Resolution 1/ House Bill 9 (Meyer/Bettencourt) increases the business personal property tax exemption from $2,500 to $125,000, an almost 5,000% increase.

House Bill 346 (Harris Davila/King) allows the Secretary of State to offer expedited business filings so Texas small businesses can establish themselves quickly. This law will also make the new-veteran- owned business franchise tax exemption and business filing waiver permanent.

House Bill 2464 (Hefner/ Middleton) prevents cities from imposing regulations on certain home-based businesses.

House Bill 5195 (Capriglione/ Alvarado) requires state agencies to assess modernization of their internet website to make it easier to do business.

Abbott, Texas groups endorse Cornyn-led push to bring Space Shuttle Discovery to Houston: Cornyn announces support for His Bring the Space Shuttle Home Act WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX)’s Bring the Space Shuttle Home Act, which would move the Space Shuttle Discovery from Virginia to its rightful home near the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, has earned praise from Texas Governor Greg Abbott and space-related groups in the Houston area as the Senator works to include it in the Senate’s reconciliation legislation: “There is no better final home for Space Shuttle Discovery than JSC, where these explorers of tomorrow can learn from and be inspired by the incredible legacy of those who changed the history of the world in Houston, where giant leaps in human spaceflight started,” said Gov. Abbott. (Letter, 6/6/2025) “Exhibiting the Space Shuttle Discovery in Houston would significantly enhance educational opportunities and support the growth of our space economy, here in the home of human space flight. With 280 acres at Exploration Park dedicated to commercial space companies, the nearby Ellington Field Space Port, and the Texas Space Commission actively investing in the space economy, Discovery would play a crucial role in advancing our future prospects,” said Space Center Houston President & CEO William T. Harris. (Letter, 6/9/2025) “Despite its central role in the Shuttle program, Houston was not selected to receive an orbiter following retirement. Your bill offers an opportunity to correct that oversight and deliver a fitting and permanent home for the Shuttle in the place where so much of its story was written and where it will inspire the next generation of explorers,” said Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership President Brian Freedman. (Letter, 6/9/2025) The Bring the Space Shuttle Home Act, introduced by Sen. Cornyn and cosponsored by Sen. Cruz in April, would move the Space Shuttle Discovery from Virginia to its rightful home near NASA’s JSC in Houston.

Mission Control at NASA’s Johnson Space Center led all of the space shuttle flights throughout the program’s history, and the astronauts who flew aboard the shuttles lived and trained in the area Houston. Four space shuttles were retired from NASA in 2010, and one of them was expected to go on display in Space City. Congress stated in the NASA Authorization Act of 2010 that the four space shuttles were to be given to states with a “historical relationship with either the launch, flight operations, or processing of the Space Shuttle orbiters or the retrieval of NASA- manned space vehicles, or significant contributions to human space flight.” Unfortunately, this directive was unlawfully ignored by the Obama administration, who played politics to keep Houston from getting one of the shuttles. Notably, the administration gave one of the four shuttles to New York City, which has not made any major contributions to the nation’s history of space exploration and is not home to a NASA center— unlike Houston. The Space Shuttle Discovery is the only shuttle still owned by the federal government and able to transfer to Houston. This legislation would authorize the movement of the Space Shuttle Discovery from the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia to a nonprofit near the JSC in Houston.

Last week, provisions led by Sen. Cornyn, including the Mission to Modernize Astronautic Resources (MARS) for Space Act, as well as funding for National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Artemis program and resources to support the International Space Station (ISS) were included in the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation’s legislative text to be included in the Senate version of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Sen. Cornyn continues to advocate for funding for NASA’s JSC and other space-related initiatives.

Abbott congratulates Grapevine as Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott congratulated the City of Grapevine on being designated as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community by Travel Texas after completing the multistep certification process. The Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community designation shows the Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau’s commitment to further develop tourism as an economic growth strategy, boost local job creation, and draw more visitors to their community and to Texas from across the nation and around the world.

“Tourism is critical to both our local and state economies,” said Governor Abbott. “Travelers to and within Texas generate almost $200 billion in annual economic impact and support 1.3 million jobs across the state. Every region of this great state offers endless opportunities to experience the natural beauty, rich history, and true Texas hospitality. I congratulate Grapevine and the Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau on earning this designation. All Texas communities are encouraged to apply to become a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community to further grow local tourism and jobs across our great state.”

“With year-round events, lakefront recreation, and outstanding resorts, Grapevine offers something for every kind of traveler,” said Travel Texas Director Tim Fennell. “Whether riding the Grapevine Vintage Railroad, visiting wine tasting rooms, discovering eclectic shops and restaurants, or enjoying the holiday magic of the Christmas Capital of Texas, visitors are welcomed into a city that understands the value of memorable experiences. Being named a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community is a reflection of that dedication.”

“Grapevine’s leadership and commitment to excellence in tourism continues to raise the bar across Texas,” said Senator Tan Parker. “This official designation as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community reflects the vision, hospitality, and tireless work of the entire Grapevine community. From Main Street charm to world-class resorts, and being the Christmas Capital of Texas, Grapevine showcases the very best of Texas and plays a vital role in growing our state’s economy through tourism. Congratulations on this well-earned recognition for a community that exemplifies Texas values.”

“I’m proud to see our community recognized for the tireless work being done to promote tourism and strengthen our local economy,” said Representative Giovanni Capriglione. “This designation as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community is a testament to the dedication of Grapevine’s leaders, businesses, and residents who make it a welcoming destination for visitors from across Texas and beyond.”

“Tourism is the heart of Grapevine,” said Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau Executive Director Paul W. McCallum. “Being recognized as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community affirms our lifestyle — our destination takes pride in welcoming visitors with open arms, unforgettable experiences, and world-class hospitality. It’s something our entire community is a part of and deeply believes in.”

“This designation reflects the spirit of Grapevine,” said City of Grapevine Place Three Councilman Leon Leal. “Our residents, businesses, and city leadership work together to create an environment where visitors feel at home. From major festivals to everyday experiences, our community takes pride in being a destination people love to return to.”

“Grapevine’s strength as a destination comes from the people who live and work here,” said Grapevine Mills General Manager and Grapevine CVB Board of Directors Chair Joe Szymaszek. “The Tourism Friendly Texas Community designation highlights how our entire community — from shopkeepers, hotel workers, and restaurant staff to event organizers and city officials — comes together to create exceptional experiences for millions of guests every year.”

The Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community program is open to local governments or non-profit organizations that serve as the lead entity for tourism promotion and development efforts. Benefits of the designation for tourism entities seeking certification on behalf of their community include the opportunity to strengthen or establish relationships important for tourism development, educate local leaders on the importance of tourism to the state, identify and prioritize locally driven strategies, and learn more about opportunities provided by Travel Texas and other state government programs available to support both communities and the travel and tourism industry. For more information on the Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community program, visit: gov.texas.gov/ tourism-friendly-texas The mission of Travel Texas in the Governor’s Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office is to enhance and extend local economic development efforts by marketing Texas as a premier travel destination in out-of-state and international markets, generating non-Texan travel to Texas, and creating revenue and jobs for local communities and the state.

Abbott announces over $2.4 million in career training grants for Gulf Coast area schools AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott announced 10 career training grants totaling over $2.4 million have been awarded to 10 schools in the Gulf Coast area to train students for high-demand, good-paying jobs after graduation. These Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants, awarded through Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), will support career and technical education (CTE) training programs by helping the schools purchase and install equipment to initially train over 800 students for high-demand occupations as registered nurses, health technologists, civil engineers, welders, and more.

“Texas continues to invest in our workforce to ensure students are prepared for the good-paying jobs of tomorrow,” said Governor Abbott. “Through these job training grants of over $2.4 million, hundreds of students in the Gulf Coast region will be equipped with the tools and training they need to pursue careers in the better job and bigger paycheck opportunities that we provide in Texas. Through the ongoing partnership between the Texas Workforce Commission and local schools across our state, we will continue to build a brighter future for all Texans.”

“TWC is proud to support career and technical education programs that help the future workers of Texas gain knowledge and skills to succeed in the workforce,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “These grants will allow hundreds of students to train for high-paying careers in healthcare, civil engineering, production, and other in-demand fields.”

Earlier today, TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III presented the awards at a ceremony attended by state and local officials and school staff at Lone Star College’s North Harris campus.

The 10 JET grants include: • AlvinCommunityCollege received a $349,980 grant to train 165 students as refinery operators.

• College of the Mainland received a $324,916 grant to train 85 students as registered nurses.

•Harmony Public Schools-Houston North received a $233,225 grant to train 125 students as civil engineers in partnership with Houston Community College.

• Lee College received a $94,227 grant to train 60 students as HVAC mechanics.

• Lone Star College received a $245,317 grant to train 90 students as automotive service technicians.

• Palacios Independent School District (ISD) received a $105,970 grant to train 21 students as health technologists in partnership with Wharton County Junior College.

• San Jacinto Community College received a $109,020 grant to train 20 students as radiologic technologists.

• Shepherd ISD received a $350,000 grant to train 130 students as licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses in partnership with Lone Star College.

• Wharton County Junior College received a $316,189 grant to train 35 students as automotive service technicians.

• Windham School District received a $295,742 grant to train 77 students as welders. Through funding provided by the Texas Legislature each biennium, TWC uses JET grants to defray start-up costs to develop or expand career and technical education programs for public community, state and technical colleges, school districts, and open-enrollment charter schools. Equipment funded through JET grants must be used to train students for jobs in high-demand occupations. JET grant awards for the current fiscal year have yet to be announced and will be published in the coming months.