Texas Senate Bill SB1219

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to a combined online application for persons applying for certain state and local economic development incentives.

Impact

The implications of SB1219 extend to several existing programs, particularly the Texas Enterprise Fund and the skills development fund. By allowing for a single point of entry for applications, the bill aims to streamline the incentive application process, potentially increasing participation from local businesses and educational institutions. This simplification could lead to enhanced economic development across Texas, freeing up time and resources that employers would otherwise expend navigating separate applications for different funding sources.

Summary

SB1219 establishes a combined online application process for individuals and entities applying for various state and local economic development incentives in Texas. The bill mandates the Texas Workforce Commission, the comptroller, and the governor's office to collaborate in creating a unified platform that simplifies the application process. This single application will be made accessible on relevant government websites, making it easier for public community and technical colleges, as well as employers, to seek funding from multiple sources simultaneously.

Contention

While the bill appears beneficial in terms of efficiency, there may be concerns regarding the potential centralization of economic development initiatives. Critics could argue that by consolidating applications, local governments may face reduced authority in administering or influencing how funds are distributed in their communities. This change could lead to disparities in the support of smaller, local projects that might not align with broader state-level strategies.

Notable_points

Additionally, SB1219 includes stipulations regarding the concurrent application processes for employers who wish to receive support from both public colleges and the Texas Enterprise Fund. This aligns programs more closely than before, but also raises questions about the equitable distribution of funds, particularly if larger employers outmatch smaller ones in the competitive landscape.