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Advocacy

Make your voice heard on legislation that affects your business

The Chamber advocates for the business community at every level of government and acts on legislation and policy that can impact your ability to run your business profitably. Chamber Business Advocacy Council members are regularly invited to give policy feedback. Email Jennifer O'Neal at jennifer.oneal@woodlandschamber.org to learn more about our policy agenda.

 

Business Advocacy Council

As the voice of business in the area, The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce is committed to keeping our region competitive, improving the business climate and advancing policies that create a more prosperous environment. The Chamber understands that strong communities are a result of strong businesses. We will continue to promote strong relationships with our community partners and our legislators to build a better Montgomery County and a better Texas.

Our Advocacy Priorities

Approved by The Chamber Board on October 18, 2024

The purpose of the 2024-2025 Business Advocacy Council’s Priorities is to summarize the important advocacy goals and areas of concern to the business community.

Education & Workforce

Support equitable primary and secondary educational opportunities for a diverse, innovative, and skilled workforce.

Health Care

Promote policies that provide increased access to high-quality, affordable healthcare, including expanded access to mental health resources; and programs designed to grow the healthcare workforce.

Natural Resources

Support stewardship of water and other natural resources to ensure a resilient, balanced and sustainable supply.

Infrastructure

Promote effective, collaborative strategies to construct and maintain safe, reliable, and affordable infrastructure that stimulates economic activity and fosters resilience.

Public Safety

Advocate for policies that reduce crime and support our law enforcement, fire departments, and first responders.

Economic Growth

Advocate for policies that promote a thriving business climate and sustainable growth. Support initiatives that will attract businesses to The Woodlands area.

We Pledge

As the voice of business in the area, The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce is committed to keeping our region competitive, improving the business climate and advancing policies that create a more prosperous environment.

The Chamber understands that strong communities are a result of strong businesses.

We will continue to promote strong relationships with our community partners and our legislators to build a better Montgomery County and a better Texas.

The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce Legislative Updates

Governor Abbott Calls Special Session

Governor Greg Abbott has called a special session, which will begin July 21, 2025. Laws to be reconsidered include:

  • SB 648: Establishes new procedures for recording documents like deeds and affidavits of heirship, especially when filed by individuals not acting through real estate professionals.
  • SB 1253: Aims to incentivize water conservation and reuse initiatives by providing credits against water and wastewater impact fees for builders and developers.
  • SB 1278: Creates a defense for individuals charged with a crime who can prove they were a victim of trafficking, and that their actions were a direct result of coercion, duress, or threats from the perpetrator.
  • SB 2878: Addresses various aspects of court operations, such as court security, handling of court documents and arrest warrants, document delivery, juvenile boards, and youth diversion programs.
89th TexLeg Recap Revised

Local Updates

(As of July 2, 2025)

Montgomery County Road Bond

  • Details: A $480 million bond, evenly distributed across precincts, to fund infrastructure, mobility, and safety projects.
  • Status: Approved by voters
  • Resources: For details, visit Welcome to Montgomery County, Texas

Resiliency and Flood Mitigation

  • Initiative: The San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA) recently presented its Spring Creek Flood Control Dams Feasibility Study.
  • Resources: For details, visit Home - Spring Creek Feasibility Study

Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) Program

  • Initiative: Montgomery County has adopted the C-PACE program to facilitate energy and water-efficient upgrades in commercial properties.
  • Mechanism: Allows property owners to secure private financing for improvements, repaid through property assessments.
  • Resources: Montgomery County PACE – Texas PACE Authority

Federal Updates

(As of July 2, 2025)

H.R. 1 – One Big Beautiful Bill Act

Key Provisions:

  1. Tax Reforms
    • Permanent Extension of 2017 Tax Cuts
    • “No Tax on Tips” – Exempts tips from federal income tax.
    • Overtime Tax Relief – Eliminates federal income tax on overtime pay.
    • SALT Deduction Cap – Raises the cap to $40,000 through 2029
  2. Healthcare & Social Program Cuts
    • $930 billion in cuts over 10 years to Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act.
    • Medicare
      • Potential $500 billion in cuts due to deficit rules.
      • Starts drug price negotiation in 2026.
      • Links physician payments to inflation (Medicare Economic Index).
      • Reforms pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) compensation for greater transparency.
    • SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
      • $300 billion in funding cuts over 10 years.
      • Shifts 5% of benefit costs and 75% of administrative costs to states.
      • Tightens eligibility to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.
    • Work requirements expanded for able-bodied adults
  3. Energy & Environment
    • Green Tax Credits Cut: Rolls back many clean energy incentives
    • Fossil Fuel Provisions: Fast-tracks oil and gas permitting and lease expansions.
  4. Debt Ceiling Raised: Increased to $5 trillion
  5. Federal Research Grants: Caps indirect cost recovery by universities and research institutions.

Status: Signed into law.

H.R. 935: Health Care Workforce Innovation Act

  • Overview: Aims to strengthen healthcare workforce capacity by funding education and training for healthcare professionals in underserved areas.
  • Funding: Proposes grants for scholarships, loan forgiveness, and training programs targeting nurses, primary care physicians, and allied health workers.
  • Additional Provisions:
    • Encourages partnerships between hospitals, educational institutions, and state health agencies.
    • Prioritizes rural and suburban regions with healthcare provider shortages, including areas like The Woodlands.
  • Status: Introduced in the House; referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

H.R. 420: Federal Grant Accountability Act

  • Overview: Seeks to impose limitations on the amount of indirect costs allowable under federal research awards to institutions of higher education.
  • Key Provisions:
    • Caps indirect costs to align with averages from private research awards.
    • Aims to ensure more funds are directed toward direct research activities.
  • Status: Introduced in the House; currently under review.

The results of an election can have direct impacts on businesses. That is why understanding the issues, getting to know the candidates and a high voter turnout is vital. Some ways you can help your employees vote:

  • Notify them about the elections
  • Provide election resources via internal communications
  • Encourage them to leave work at some point during the voting period to cast their vote
  • Show them that you have vote

 

Elections Resources
Montgomery County Elections Office

Montgomery Central Appraisal District

Voter Registration database 
Find precinct, polling location information, sample ballot and elected officials.

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