This week, as IBAT members gather in Austin to earmark priority issues facing the industry, they will be greeted by two of the most significant figures in Texas politics. On Wednesday and Thursday, IBAT members will hear from the Honorable Dan Patrick, Lieutenant Governor of Texas, and the Honorable Dustin Burrows, Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, respectively.
While all eyes have been on Washington, D.C. in recent weeks, there are items of significance on the Texas Legislative agenda, including:
- Legislation to combat financial fraud, including expanded funding for the Financial Crimes Intelligence Center in Tyler;
- Efforts that would disintermediate deposits that support local small business lending. Included in these efforts is opposition to the creation of a Texas-based currency backed by silver and/or gold; and
- Ongoing efforts to exclude taxes and tips from the calculation of interchange at the point of sale.
Each session brings up a bevy of issues on which IBAT members must engage. IBAT looks forward to seeing many of you in Austin this week and encourages you to remain vigilant throughout the session and respond to any calls to action.
