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As part of our mission to champion business success and regional prosperity, the Temple Chamber of Commerce served as a strong advocate at the local, state, and federal levels during the first quarter of 2025. Guided by our Public Policy Council and Board-approved Legislative Priorities, we’ve taken meaningful action on behalf of our Members in the following areas: State Legislative Advocacy Support for the Texas Water Fund Coalition | January 15, 2025 We joined more than 40 chambers and business organizations across Texas in signing a letter of support for the Texas Water Fund Coalition. This effort promotes a dedicated, long-term revenue source to meet critical water infrastructure needs—a $110 billion gap over the next 50 years. Reliable water infrastructure is vital to Temple’s continued economic growth and quality of life. Temple Chamber Day at the Capitol | March 4, 2025 In early March, the Temple Chamber led a delegation of business and community leaders to the Texas Capitol to engage directly with lawmakers during the 89th Legislative Session. This in-person advocacy effort strengthened our relationships with state officials and elevatedTemple’s voice on critical issues impacting Central Texas.  Opposition to Senate Bill 878 | March 17, 2025
We joined a coalition opposing SB 878, which proposed restrictive changes to Chapters 380/381 of the Local Government Code—tools communities like Temple rely on for job creation and investment. Our opposition aimed to protect local control, reduce regulatory burdens, and ensure Texas remains competitive in attracting new businesses. Support for Extending R&D Tax Incentives | March 17, 2025 We supported SB 2206 and HB 4393, which would extend key R&D tax incentives set to expire in 2026. These tools attract innovation-driven industries and sustain high-quality jobs—directly impacting Temple’s economic development goals. Federal Legislative Advocacy Support for Extension of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) | February 21, 2025 We joined nearly 500 business organizations nationwide in urging Congress to make permanent pro-growth provisions of the TCJA. A stable, transparent tax environment empowers businesses to plan, invest, and grow—critical to our national and regional economy. Monitoring Trade Policy, Tariffs, and Executive Action We remain actively engaged in federal trade discussions through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce—particularly around the Administration’s proposed reciprocal tariffs and Section 232/301 investigations into imports like copper, lumber, and shipbuilding. While framed as tools to balance trade, these policies risk raising costs for U.S. businesses and consumers, disrupting supply chains, and weakening manufacturing competitiveness. In alignment with our Public Policy Council’s priority to support the free enterprise system, we oppose burdensome trade actions and regulatory overreach that increase costs and limit opportunity. We continue to monitor executive orders and federal reconciliation efforts that may impact trade, tax, and regulatory frameworks—and we advocate for policies that uphold free market principles and lower the cost of doing business locally and nationally. Local Advocacy State of the City, Growth with Purpose, Public Policy Council Luncheon | March 19, 2025 With more than 220 business and community leaders in attendance, the event served as both a reflection on the city’s trajectory and a rallying point for our shared future. This year’s theme, Growth with Purpose, underscored that while growth may be inevitable, purposeful growth is what truly drives meaningful progress. Championing Member Concerns on Commercial Roll-Off Dumpsters | March 2025 In response to Member concerns—and in partnership with the Temple Area Builders Association—the Chamber proactively addressed issues related to enforcement of Section 15-10 of the City of Temple Code of Ordinances, which regulates the collection and hauling of commercial construction and demolition debris. At the March 20 City Council meeting, the Chamber voiced appreciation for the Council’s unanimous adoption of a 120-day moratorium on enforcement. We reaffirmed our commitment to collaborating during the moratorium to help shape a long-term solution that supports private sector participation while maintaining public standards. Your Voice, Amplified Each of these initiatives reflects the power of our collective voice in shaping policy. As local, state, and federal decisions continue to evolve, your input remains essential. The Temple Chamber is committed to fostering a business-friendly environment and advocating for the long-term success of our region.
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