2 minute read
East Texas Coalition
East Texas Works Together to Advocate for Pro-Growth Policies!
Join us March 5-7, 2023 for the East Texas Coalition Trip to Austin
Over the past 17 years we have worked tirelessly to build a pro-growth policy agenda to attract talented workers, to make our region strong, and to make Longview the best place for all people to live, work, and do business explains, President Kelly Hall.
We are committed to partnering with our sister communities to strengthen our voice in Austin. There is no doubt, the urban centers have strength in numbers, so is it is imperative we align as a region on key issues that impact our ability to attract and retain businesses that provide good jobs. Therefore, the Kilgore, Lindale, Longview, and Tyler chamber policy teams work hand and glove to prepare for legislative sessions.
The Longview & Tyler Chamber policy chairs, Mark Robinson – AEP/ SWEPCO and Laura Jackson – Cardwell & Wansley Consulting agree we must be informed so we can shape and build aligned messaging to share with our elected officials in Austin. Collectively, we have spent the past few months meeting every other week to collaborate and form priorities that impact our region.
The East Texas Coalition policy team invited experts in healthcare, education, energy, broadband and other key sectors to educate us on the opportunities and challenges facing businesses and individuals in each of these areas. Doing this wok will exponentially increase our ability to advocate on behalf of East Texas businesses, states Kelly Hall.
FAQ’s about the East Texas Coalition
Where do the issues represented by the coalition come from? The members of the chambers engaged in the East Texas Coalition.
What topics are focused on? Economic Development, Education and Workforce Development, Employment Relations, Energy and Environment, Health Care, Retail, Small Business, Taxation, Technology and Innovation, Transportation, Water, and Workers’ Compensation.
Is there a process for approval? Yes. First the coalition identifies top priorities prior to the session. Policy experts are invited to discuss trends, challenges, opportunities, and work being done in the interim. The coalition then agrees on the top priorities and take these issues back to each chambers board for policy approval. The aligned and agreed upon policies are then focused on during the East Texas Coalition trip to Austin.
Who can go to Austin with the Coalition? Each chamber encourages members to engage and go with the coalition to Austin.
When is the next trip? The East Texas Coalition will be in Austin March 5-7, 2023. Those interested can register online. Hotel information is available online as well.
As a former legislative staffer, I processed hundreds of requests from constituents seeking to share their needs and ideas with their elected representatives. I want to use this experience to help business owners and community leaders in East Texas effectively communicate with our officials at the local, state, and national level so we can continue moving our region forward.
Tyler Policy Chair Laura Jackson, Cardwell & Wansley Consulting
I enjoy serving on the East Texas Coalition’s policy team because it gives me an opportunity to stand beside a frustrated business owner, promote a entrepreneur’s interest, and remove barriers to their success. We leverage our relationships at the Federal and State levels to create a legislative environment that is conducive to business growth. The work we do is important to the protection of our capitalistic, free enterprise system and the benefits it provides our East Texas businesses.
