Texas House Bill HB1942

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to a franchise tax credit for wages paid to graduates of certain institutions of higher education.

Impact

The bill is anticipated to have a positive impact on state employment levels, specifically targeting young graduates seeking entry into the workforce. By encouraging businesses to hire locally, the bill aligns with state goals of reducing unemployment rates among new graduates and stimulating economic growth within communities. This could lead to a significant increase in job opportunities in various sectors, ultimately contributing to a more robust economy at the state level.

Summary

House Bill 1942 introduces a franchise tax credit specifically designed to incentivize employers to hire graduates from certain institutions of higher education. This bill aims to foster employment opportunities for recent graduates by providing a financial benefit to businesses that employ these individuals. The credit is set at 10 percent of wages paid to qualified employees, aimed at reducing the overall tax burden for participating entities and promoting local hiring practices.

Contention

Some points of contention surrounding HB 1942 revolve around its potential implications for equity among businesses. Critics argue that such tax credits could disproportionately benefit larger corporations who might already have the means to create extensive hiring programs, potentially sidelining smaller businesses that may not have the same capacity. There are also concerns regarding the long-term effectiveness of the tax credit in achieving sustainable employment growth, as reliance on tax incentives might not lead to lasting job creation without accompanying strategies for workforce development.