Economic development is a critical part of ensuring success and growth in our communities and throughout the state. House District 52 and Williamson County are fortunate to be the home of many innovative and high-tech businesses and entrepreneurs. One of my priorities as a State Representative is to continue advocating for our current business and advocating for new ones to call this area home.

I was proud to host an Economic Development Community Forum to focus on the specific issues facing new and old businesses in HD-52. By bringing together community leaders local business owners and the Texas Comptroller’s office, we were able to discuss opportunities and ideas on how to grow and strengthen our business community. It has been through open dialogue with the people who live and work in the district that I can continue to fight for measures to attract and maintain a thriving economic community.

Small businesses truly are the backbone of our local, state and national economy due to their leadership, innovation and, most notably, because they create two-thirds of all new jobs in our communities. For this reason, I worked on several key bills during the Legislative Session to ensure Round Rock and Texas continue to attract new businesses and economic development opportunities. These included a series of immediate tax relief measures for over 60,000 small businesses that would provide much needed support and stabilization in the current economic climate.

In addition, during my first term as your State Representative I secured $805,000 to establish the Renewable Energy Training Institute of Williamson County. Having a an educated and skilled workforce is key to ensuring continued economic development and success. This new institute will help to position HD-52 as a leader in renewable energy, an industry which is creating many new, high-paying jobs.

We must also thank the business owners who consistently and selflessly give of their time and efforts to serve the greater good of the region. I believe all successful small businesses understand that to flourish, it takes not only hard work and determination, but the support of an entire community.