Legislative Affairs Agenda

Legislative Agenda

The Garland Chamber’s Legislative Affairs committee spent months researching and developing a legislative agenda that covers critical issues with the potential to impact the Garland community. Items indicated in this agenda are representative of the issues for which the Chamber may act as an advocate on behalf of its stakeholders.

If there is a particular issue or piece of legislation for which you or your business would like to request the advocacy of the Garland Chamber, please notify our staff. Requests will be reviewed and considered for approval by the Legislative Affairs committee and the Chamber board of directors based on alignment with the Chamber’s vision and mission.

Economic Development & Workforce Development

The Garland Chamber of Commerce continues to support standards and training at all levels of our educational system that provide students with the skills required by employers. It is important to ensure students have multiple pathways to high-growth STEM areas. We support an increase in opportunities for internship, Career and Technical Education programs, and apprenticeships that advance career and college readiness. The Garland Chamber supports the Skills Development Fund to improve workforce and training and produce skilled workers. In addition, we support maintaining the State of Texas Enterprise Fund to encourage economic growth.

Transportation & Infrastructure

The Garland Chamber of Commerce supports all initiatives that increase and improve infrastructure within the region by advocating for regional increases of funds dedicated to the construction of roadways and rail corridors in North Texas. The Chamber supports all funding methods supporting the IH-635 East Corridor Project. These efforts will ensure the maintenance and continued development of our state's transportation infrastructure.

Public & Higher Education

Public Health

The Garland Chamber of Commerce will support and promote initiatives to improve the quality of health care coverage and services, and expand meaningful coverage and availability to the uninsured while controlling costs. These include, but are not limited to, reducing Medicaid fraud, waste and abuse, protecting tax dollars, increasing the use of Medicaid managed care, achieving greater flexibility, improving Medicaid/CHIP quality and efficiency, and improving the Texas Health Care Delivery System.

Natural Resources

The Garland Chamber of Commerce supports initiatives that improve and accelerate water resources and promote items such as water conservation measures, additional energy sources, and projects that aim to utilize the abundance of natural gas that exists in Texas. The Texas legislature is urged to consider methods that will have a positive impact on businesses and municipalities. The Garland Chamber of Commerce opposes any legislation that would negatively affect either water or energy sustainability in Texas.

Download the Legislative Agenda