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The recent flooding that swept across Central Texas has left entire communities reeling, families displaced and with lost loved ones, and businesses destroyed. With a long road to recovery ahead, Texans are rising to the occasion and demonstrating, once again, the incredible resilience that is central to the spirit of the Lone Star State. 

Our hearts are with every family member, business owner, employee and community member affected. We know that recovery will take time, but if we all stand united in supporting smart policy and investments, we can rebuild stronger, faster and more resilient than ever before. 

With a special Texas Legislative Session now underway, it is critical that state lawmakers take action and give local civic and business leaders the tools they need to do just that – which is why TAB established the Texas Chamber Flood Relief Task Force. This task force is comprised of local chambers and business organizations from the greater Central Texas region impacted by the flooding to ensure business owners and residents across the Hill Country can speak with a unified voice.

Ahead of Wednesday’s joint legislative hearing, the Texas Chamber Flood Relief Task Force wrote to both the Texas Senate and House Select Committees on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding, putting forward proposed solutions that will help provide immediate relief and streamlined processes for the business community to rebuild and support the rebuilding of the communities they serve, including through: 

  • The Texas Business Recovery Grant & Loan Program updates, which could expand and modernize disaster loan programs to provide relief for small businesses and drive long-term economic recovery; 
  • Supporting fast-tracking permitting for disaster areas to cut red tape and ensure that the permitting process does not stand in the way of rebuilding efforts; and
  • Texas disaster contingency fund enhancements to ensure that cities and local communities can access rapid-response funding as they face increased workloads and urgent needs. 

In our letters to Texas legislators, TAB and our partners make clear that we need to harness every facet of the Lone Star State – public and private – to drive a faster, more coordinated recovery:

“Texas’ recovery depends on the strength of all its sectors—public and private—working together. We’re committed to being part of the solution and welcome the opportunity to support your efforts.”

TAB is also actively monitoring additional proposals that will be critical for comprehensive disaster recovery, including:

  • Warning System Infrastructure Grants
  • Local Match Waiver or Delay for FEMA Public Assistance
  • Fee Waiver for Rebuild Permits
  • Disaster Recovery Tax Incentives
  • Small Business Bridge Fund

To further assist impacted businesses, TAB has assembled a helpful Small Business Relief Toolkit – a one-stop resource center designed to help navigate relief programs and ensure that no Texas business is left behind in the recovery process.

At TAB, we know that recovery and growth require a united effort. As we continue to work closely with businesses, local leaders, and legislators during this special session, we’re confident that, with collaboration and decisive action, Texas can accelerate its road to recovery.

Read the full Texas Chamber Flood Relief Task Force letters to the Texas Senate and Texas House of Representatives.

To find resources through the Small Business Relief Toolkit, click here.

To donate to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, click here.

–Glenn Hamer, President & CEO, Texas Association of Business

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