Rod Bordelon is an attorney and regulatory and legislative affairs consultant in Austin, Texas with over 30 years of experience in insurance, workers’ compensation, and health law. He is an eleven term gubernatorial appointee, former Commissioner of Workers’ Compensation, and former Public Insurance Counsel.
You’ve got to say this for the Austin City Council—it’s persistent. In the face of a skyrocketing murder rate, an affordability crisis crippling its service economy, and a public transportation boondoggle, the council is persistent in protecting its citizens from things like the potential harm of hair discrimination. In June, the council passed the “Creating a Respectful and Open...
It’s playoff baseball time here in Texas—go ‘Stros! But baseball fans know everything depends on the umpires—as the great Bill Klem said, when asked whether a ball was fair or foul, “It ain’t nothing until I call it.” It’s time for us to call fair and foul on the Texas Legislature; there were some homeruns,...
At least in baseball, you’re out after the third strike. Baseball is merciful. The Texas Legislature, not so much. At least the fourth legislative session—the third special—gives lawmakers a chance to appropriate money sent to the state by Congress through the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021. The Legislature has kept spending...
Texans will benefit from the policy wins achieved in the 87th Texas Legislature. Among other things, lawmakers: Passed a Conservative Texas Budget Strengthened spending limits Maintained property tax relief Improved taxpayer protections Reduced regulatory barriers The Texas budget, SB 1, came in below the Conservative Texas Budget—in fact, it is about $5 billion below the...
Texas looks to receive $41 billion in taxpayer money provided by Congress in the $1.9 trillion American Relief Plan Act (ARPA). With $31 billion being sent to the state, this is 25% of the state’s annual budget. This excessive spending in D.C. has become the norm and now they’re trying to push their profligate spending...
If regulations proved unnecessary during the COVID-19 pandemic, were they ever really necessary at all? That’s the thought behind a growing push to eliminate unnecessary and even harmful rules that were set aside during the last year. “Across the country, state and local governments have temporarily eased hundreds of regulations during the pandemic, aiming to...
Texas’s Economic Stabilization Fund (or “rainy day fund”) is a valuable tool for covering unexpected shortfalls in tax receipts, like those during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it should be used sparingly, and budget reductions should be prioritized instead. Key points: Texas ranks high in economic growth and must maintain a balanced budget, but the current...
While Texas has undertaken efforts to reduce regulatory burdens, it still has among the highest overall number of regulations in the country. Texas’s efforts to reduce unnecessary and harmful regulations should be expanded. Key points: Texas ranks high in overall economic freedom as a result of low taxes and favorable labor laws, yet it has...
As the economy continues to reopen and gain strength amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a common concern is how to ensure the safety of the public and the workers at businesses around the country. Government certainly has a role in providing information, guidance and support. But ultimately its best approach is to serve as a partner...
The owners and workers of America’s businesses—both small and large—have done their part. When government called upon them, they stepped up by shutting down, though many of them were unsure whether they would ever reopen or return. This is America and we will come back. There aren’t a more resourceful and resilient people on the...
When you have a flat tire, you don’t fix it by reinventing the wheel. While cases of COVID-19 continue to increase, we know that soon, the numbers will begin falling. Our efforts at social distancing and staying at home will pay off, and we’ll begin to focus on economic recovery efforts. But we must begin...
Texans received a stronger safeguard this month against any state tax being imposed on the income they earn through their hard work and initiative. That’s because Texans voted overwhelmingly Nov. 5 to amend the state constitution to make the future imposition of a state income tax even more difficult. To be clear, Texas does not...