In a meeting with IBAT members in Austin last week, The Honorable Dustin Burrows, Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, outlined his priorities for the 89th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature.
Burrows expressed his commitment to public education funding, shoring up of the Texas water infrastructure and property tax reduction to keep the “Texas miracle” alive. Speaker Burrows further stressed his dedication and attention to small businesses, especially those in rural communities, that serve as Texas’s economic engines. He recognized the role of community banks in the success of those small businesses and acknowledged the hardships that come from government’s overreaching and over regulation.
IBAT asked for the Speaker’s support for funding the state’s Financial Crimes Intelligence Center (FCIC). The FCIC has requested a 400% increase in funding for the biennium, from $4MM to $16MM. In 2024 alone, the FCIC was responsible for returning $190MM back to Texas citizens. IBAT also asked the legislature to support Texas’s current financial system by rejecting proposals for the state to create its own currency, backed by Gold.
The Annual Community Banking Day at the Capitol event also included remarks by Commissioner Charles G. Cooper, Texas Department of Banking, and community bank supporters Representative Raphael Anchia (Dallas), Representative Drew Darby (San Angelo), Representative Trent Ashby (Lufkin) and IBAT’s tax policy consultant, Todd Morgan.
Thursday concluded with a full tour of the Texas Capitol where IBAT members watched the Speaker preside over the Texas House. Thank you to all who attended IBAT’s Community Banking Day at the Capitol to make the voices of Texas community bankers heard. IBAT will continue to closely monitor and engage in events at the Texas Capitol and will call members to action as the need arises.
