#TXLEGE: Senate State Affairs VOTES OUT session's most underrated bill

"Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?’
Matthew 20:15

[Note: The hearing can be viewed here; our testimony is exactly at the two hour mark.]

Earlier this morning, we testified in favor SB 15: Relating to the regulation by a municipality or county of certain employment benefits and policies.  This is the broad based employment law preemption bill.  We had originally intended to write about the hearing.  But, apparently, they've already voted it out:

AUSTIN– Today, the Senate Committee on State Affairs voted 5-1 to pass Senate Bill 15, the Consistent Employment Regulations Act, on to the full Senate.

“With the passage of this bill out of committee, Texans are one step closer to a freer, more competitive economy that will benefit everyone," said Think Local Liberty's Shelby Sterling. "Texas lawmakers are right to move swiftly on this important piece of legislation.”

So, yeah.  There you have it.  The bill's moving faster than we anticipated.

As for our testimony: We discussed how, from a macro perspective, the state of Texas tends to do well.  The biggest (and, honestly, the only real) threat to the state's economy comes from the unrestricted growth of government at the local level.  We tend to hear a lot about this in terms of (property) taxes and spending, but this employment law stuff is a different side of the same coin.  These sorts of ordinances are like weeds, eventually they will strangle Texas' economic dynamism.

Another point: The opposition, led by Greg Casar, repeatedly claimed the City of Austin's so-called 'stakeholder processes' while passing these ordinances was "open" and "inclusive."  Poppycock.  Anyone who dissented during that process remembers the bullying and the intimidation.  You can learn about what happened to an iconic restaurateur (and civil rights legend) here.  You can learn about Council members' Ellen Troxclair's and Ora Houston's experience here.

Bottom Line: The Senate state affairs committee just took a MAJOR step to ensure Texas' long-term prosperity and they deserve A LOT of kudos!!!