Texas Governor Greg Abbott has unveiled a new plan to reduce “red tape” and bureaucratic obstacles for small businesses in the state.
The new initiative, announced alongside the release of the Governor’s Small Business Freedom Council’s Report, hopes to streamline government processes and cut unnecessary red tape that can hinder small business success and growth in the Lone Star State.
“Small businesses are the very backbone of the Texas economy,” Abbot said in an email from the Office of the Texas Governor distributed to The Dallas Express.
“Texas is the top state for small business growth, with over 3 million small businesses employing nearly half of the Texas workforce. To ensure that prosperity reaches every Texas family and every Texas business, I created the Governor’s Small Business Freedom Council to identify ways to slash burdensome rules, fees, and regulations,” Abbott continued.
According to Abbott’s office, the report’s recommendations, which were formed through input from over 700 small business owners and 46 state agencies, specifically focus on eliminating unnecessary rules and fees, reducing tax burdens, and enhancing workforce “flexibility” for smaller businesses.
According to Abbott, these steps will lead to a stronger state economy and a more business-friendly environment.
Among the key proposals outlined in the report are as follows:
- Eliminating unneeded regulations and fees that drive up costs and cause delays.
- Reducing tax burdens to encourage investment and expansion in the small business sector.
- Modernizing government processes to streamline compliance and improve efficiency.
- Increasing access to capital and state contracts to fuel business growth.
- Enhancing workforce flexibility to address current labor shortages.
Glenn Hamer, president and CEO of the Texas Association of Business, who co-chaired the effort, echoed Abbott’s words, stating in the same email distributed to DX, “Texas remains the best state in the nation for business, and this report provides a roadmap to ensure small businesses continue to thrive.”
“We have a historic opportunity to make this the best legislative session for small businesses in Texas history. By cutting red tape, streamlining regulations, and expanding opportunities, we can strengthen our economy and keep Texas the nation’s top state for business,” Hamer added.
Abbott also announced tax relief plans in his 2026-27 budget, recommending an increase in the business personal property tax exemption to $100,000. Additionally, both the Texas Senate and House have shown support for $500 million in business property tax relief.