Bennett: Expanded on-demand generation bolsters reliability, affordability, competitiveness

The following can be attributed to Tony Bennett, president and CEO of the Texas Association of Manufacturers:

Electricity issues are a top priority for Texas manufacturers, and we applaud the work of the Texas legislature and the Public Utility Commission (PUC) and staff to bolster grid reliability and expand dispatchable generation in our growing state. The Texas Energy Fund (TEF), created by lawmakers and approved by voters last fall, is an innovative tool designed to encourage investments in on-demand generation projects that will provide a diverse mix of reliable generation to keep Texas competitive. Today, we were pleased to learn that the PUC has recommended a portfolio of 17 projects that will proceed to due diligence through the Texas Energy Fund’s In-ERCOT Generation Loan program. These projects represent 9,781 MW in potential new generation and $5.38 billion in requested TEF loaned funds. We are eager to see these projects break...

AUSTIN – The Texas Association of Manufacturers today called on members of Congress to secure U.S. businesses’ global competitiveness by restoring pro-growth R&D tax policies that will support innovation, enable businesses to finance growth, and make permanent a key incentive for capital equipment purchases.

“Pro-growth R&D, interest deductibility, and equipment expensing provisions are essential promote manufacturing R&D investment and job creation in Texas and beyond,” said Tony Bennett, President & CEO of the Texas Association of Manufacturers. “These provisions help to create good-paying Texas jobs, boost US investment in innovation, and grow our state’s economy. On behalf of job creators across our state, we strongly urge Congress to take swift action to fully restore these important pro-growth tax provisions that will help get our economy back on track.”

Failure to preserve these tax provisions will threaten American jobs, stifle American innovation, and limit U.S. direct investment. The private sector is responsible for...

Texas is one of the fastest growing states in the nation, with a 43% increase in population since 2000. And our population is projected to increase 70% in the next 50 years. Today, no less than 30 million Texans are raising families and running businesses, building the ninth-largest economy in the world. Critical infrastructure is essential to maintain continued growth and economic global dominance for the Lone Star State. This Election Day, voters have an opportunity to vote yes on Propositions 6, 7 and 8, which, if passed, will increase our water supply, strengthen our electric grid and expand broadband access – all of which are vital to ensure a bright and strong future for a growing Texas.

Propositions 6, 7 and 8 will not burden taxpayers in any way as they will be funded by the state’s $32 billion budget surplus made possible by our strong economy. A vote for these propositions is a vote to continue investing in our economic future.

Proposition 6 would support the creation of the Texas Water Fund to develop new water supplies to meet the needs of our growing...

The following can be attributed to Tony Bennett, president and CEO of the Texas Association of Manufacturers:

“Tonight, in ERCOT there was a sudden frequency drop, for reasons that are still being investigated. Industrial loads were called upon to shut down their operations and help stabilize the grid, and they responded. Many reduced their usage voluntarily, while others were retained by ERCOT in advance to address this type of unexpected situation.”

+++

Media contact: Gretchen Fox, 512-694-4326

The following statement can be attributed to Tony Bennett, President & CEO of the Texas Association of Manufacturers:

The Texas Legislature adjourned sine die yesterday, and there is much work that all members can be proud of. Working across both chambers, and across party lines, Senators and Representatives came together to support all Texans, consumers and businesses alike. Those successes are especially important for Texas manufacturers:

• strong protections for consumers from increasing electricity costs, while creating opportunities to strengthen the Texas grid and promote the development of reliable energy sources;
• a new, modern, and transparent economic development tool that will allow Texas to compete for large scale, capital intensive projects and the good jobs they bring to a community;
• enhancements to Texas’ civil justice system that will allow for efficiency in, and access to, our courts;
• strong investments in Texas’ workforce, ensuring that the state will be ready to support today’s manufacturers, and the jobs that...

“Proposed capacity mandates would fundamentally alter the ERCOT market construct and would impose substantial costs with uncertain resulting effects on reliability.”

AUSTIN – The proposed Performance Credit Mechanism (PCM) being considered among ERCOT market reform options “would entail billions in costs for customers without a meaningful improvement in reliability,” according to the final results of an Assessment of ERCOT Market Reform Alternatives, prepared by Bates White Economic Consulting, a firm with 25-years of experience in providing advanced economic, financial, and econometric analyses to law firms, companies, and government agencies.

Texas electricity consumers have expressed serious concerns with the Public Utility Commission’s (PUC) adopted PCM and are urging the Legislature to implement a meaningful firm cap on the PCM’s...

The following can be attributed to Tony Bennett, president and CEO of the Texas Association of Manufacturers:

“Manufacturers applaud the Texas House for passing Chairman Hunter’s Texas Jobs & Security Act (HB 5), which will help Texas bolster our state’s economic security by helping to reestablish our global manufacturing dominance, reshore our supply chain, and ensure electric grid reliability. The limited, temporary, school M&O property tax discounts included in the economic development program HB 5 creates are imperative to attract new capital investment and the long-term benefits they bring. Participating companies must still pay all I&S tax (debt service), sales and use, franchise, inventory, payroll and other taxes. The legislation includes provisions that protect the interests of the state and participating school districts. Projects must be clear ‘wins’ for Texas as the comptroller must find that the project will generate more tax dollars than the amount that will be discounted during the incentive period.

Even at the reduced value, the...

The following can be attributed to Tony Bennett, president and CEO of the Texas Association of Manufacturers:

The House State Affairs Committee will hear testimony tomorrow, April 19th, on CSSB 2012, related to the electricity market and performance penalties. The Texas Association of Manufacturers (TAM) and its members have grave concerns about the Public Utility Commission’s proposed Performance Credit Mechanism (PCM), an unproven plan that will require consumers to pay billions in additional costs every year to existing generators. Any implementation of PCM must include strong guardrails to ensure reliability and cost efficiency standards for both business and residential customers, provisions that are included in Chairman Todd Hunter’s more robust version of SB 2012 being heard in committee tomorrow.

While TAM opposes the PCM, we support the emphasis on strong performance penalties, a requirement that reliability must be measured and balanced against cost, and an annual cap of $500 million on performance credits for generators across the ERCOT market....

The following can be attributed to Tony Bennett, president and CEO of the Texas Association of Manufacturers:

“Chairman Hunter’s CSHB 5 will help Texas bolster our state’s economic security by helping to reestablish our global manufacturing dominance, reshore our supply chain, and ensure electric grid reliability. The limited, temporary, school M&O property tax discounts included in the economic development program CSHB 5 creates are imperative to attract new capital investment and the long-term benefits they bring. Participating companies must still pay all I&S tax (debt service), sales and use, franchise, inventory, payroll and other taxes. The legislation includes provisions that protect the interests of the state and participating school districts. Projects must be clear “wins” for Texas as the comptroller must find that the project will generate more tax dollars than the amount that will be discounted during the incentive period.

Even at the reduced value, the taxable value of the property will be higher than it was prior to the investment, creating a...

Austin, TX — Over 200 chambers of commerce, economic development councils, and business organizations applaud Speaker Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont) and Chairman Todd Hunter (R-Corpus Christi) for announcing the Texas Jobs and Security Act. This legislation will create a new, modern, and transparent economic development program to ensure Texas’ economic security, promote technological and manufacturing independence from foreign nations, and create new capital investments in our communities, giving our children greater opportunities and local schools additional resources.

Research shows that Texas voters overwhelmingly agree that limited, temporary property tax discounts make sense when exchanged for long term revenue and economic development.

“Texas counties have made it clear that economic development tools are critical for attracting large capital-intensive investments,” said Nueces County Judge Connie Scott. “We greatly appreciate Speaker Phelan and Chairman Hunter for working to ensure our toolboxes are fully stocked.”

Research also demonstrates that, when it...

AUSTIN – The proposed Performance Credit Mechanism being considered among ERCOT market reform options, “would entail billions in costs for customers without a meaningful improvement in reliability,” according to an Assessment of ERCOT Market Reform Alternatives, prepared by Bates...

Bennett: “Policy that keeps us competitive is imperative.”

AUSTIN — The Texas Association of Manufacturers (TAM) and its members gathered at the State Capitol today to celebrate Manufacturers Day, impressing upon lawmakers that #ManufacturingMatters to the state’s economy and jobs. Industry leaders urged state leaders to embrace legislation that would advance Texas’ competitiveness, encourage economic development, prioritize reliability and affordability in the state’s electricity market design, and direct more funding for workforce skills programs at community colleges and state technical colleges.

“Competition for major manufacturing projects is fierce and global. And it’s no wonder. Manufacturing investments grow local economies, create high-paying jobs, and generate millions of dollars in tax revenue,” said Tony Bennett, president and CEO of TAM. “Attracting and keeping large-scale manufacturing projects in Texas also strengthens our national supply chain security and...

The following can be attributed to Tony Bennett, president and CEO of the Texas Association of Manufacturers:

The Texas Association of Manufacturers (TAM) appreciates the diligent work by the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to make progress on its electricity market redesign. However, TAM is concerned with today’s action by the PUC to approve a novel proposal that is not well understood, and has not been modeled, but appears to be designed to ensure a certain profit level for existing generation. We remain committed to market design changes that will preserve our competitive market while improving incentives for additional dispatchable generation. We are hopeful that a version of the performance credit mechanism can be crafted that would encourage this type of new investment and provide enhanced reliability for consumers without excessive costs.

Manufacturers have supported a comprehensive approach that includes (1) providing additional low-cost state-backed financing for dispatchable development, (2) creating temporary and limited property tax discounts for...

Bennett: “Smart policy is key to attracting manufacturers and strengthening national, supply chain security.”

AUSTIN – The Texas Association of Manufacturers (TAM) today released its “TAM Top Ten,” which details the Association’s policy priorities for the 88th Legislature in 2023.

“Global competition to attract manufacturing projects is fierce and our priorities are aligned with keeping Texas as the number one state to do business and the number one state for exported manufactured goods,” said Tony Bennett, president and CEO of TAM. “Smart policies related to economic development, taxes, transportation, electricity and workforce development are key to attracting and keeping large-scale manufacturing projects in Texas. Those projects will strengthen our national and supply chain security, as well as protect Texas’ leadership in emerging technologies and advanced manufacturing.”

TAM’s Top Ten policy priorities include:

1. Preserve Authority to Offer Limited,...

AUSTIN – The Texas Association of Manufacturers (TAM) announced Kyle Bush as the Association’s new Government Affairs Specialist. Bush will assist TAM leadership with legislative and regulatory advocacy, political analysis, association operations, and representation on all matters affecting TAM members and the manufacturing industry in Texas.

The following can be attributed to Tony Bennett, president & CEO of the Texas Association of Manufacturers.

“Congress strengthened economic and national security in the United States today by passing the CHIPS Act to encourage domestic semiconductor manufacturing. This legislation is essential because semiconductors power almost every aspect of our lives and the chip shortage cost the U.S. economy more than $200 billion last year alone. Expanding manufacturers’ ability to make the products Americans need on American soil is good news for everyone.”

+++

Media contact: Gretchen Fox, 512-694-4326

The following can be attributed to Tony Bennett, president & CEO of the Texas Association of Manufacturers.

“With the Senate poised to vote on the Reconciliation bill soon, Texas manufacturers remain deeply concerned about the impact of the drug pricing provisions on our state’s vibrant biopharmaceutical industry and the Texans who benefit from these jobs, investments, and life-saving cures.

“In no uncertain terms, the Medicare ‘negotiations’ as proposed are tantamount to government price-setting of medicines. Such a dramatic shift in federal policy will chill venture capital investments and put patient access at risk.[1],[2]

“In the tumultuous economic times we are now in, the biotechnology sector is down more than 50%, and this proposed government drug price-setting scheme that Congress is now considering will inject additional...

Opinion by TAM President & CEO Tony Bennett as published in the Dallas Morning News.

Texas Instruments’ new semiconductor wafer fabrication plant, and thousands of jobs, are coming to Sherman. On the heels of this good news, we learned that a subsidiary of a Taiwanese chip-making firm is also making plans to open a new facility nearby that is expected to create 1,500 jobs. The firm found Texas to be an attractive place to do business for many reasons, no doubt. One of those reasons was that the project was awarded a $15 million grant by the Texas Enterprise Fund. Last year, Korean chip maker Samsung announced it would create 2,000 jobs in Taylor for a project that was also spurred by a substantial Texas Enterprise Fund grant.

These positive developments will help strengthen our national security by alleviating the current supply chain disruption related to semiconductors, which power almost every aspect of our daily lives. If you are reading this on a smartphone...

The following can be attributed to Tony Bennett, president and CEO of Texas Association of Manufacturers (TAM). TAM shared these perspectives before the Texas House State Affairs Committee today:

“Electricity reliability is the number one objective for Texas manufacturers as we cannot operate without a reliable electric supply. As the Legislature considers the Texas energy market, manufacturers believe that Texas must achieve reliability at a reasonable cost to consumers and be mindful of how much risk is borne by customers versus generators.

There are many dedicated revenue streams today that specifically pay for dispatchable generation including ancillary services and Operating Reserve Demand Curve (ORDC) payments. The Texas Association of Manufacturers supports these mechanisms, which have been expanded since Winter Storm Uri, partly from the Public Utility Commission's “phase one” changes and from ERCOT's conservative operations. Using the IMM’s estimates, these changes have resulted in additional cost of about $3.5 million a year for a 100 MW industrial...

The following statement can be attributed to Tony Bennett, President and CEO of the Texas Association of Manufacturers.

"Lifechanging discoveries are made, developed, and commercialized in the United States and Texas because of our strong culture of innovation and the recognition that safeguarding intellectual property rights leads to innovation across our economy. Any lapse in the protection of intellectual property could lead to long-term catastrophic results, and the Texas Association of Manufacturers remains concerned the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) repeated attempts to waive these protections could begin to weaken a fundamental principle of our economy.

"The extraordinary circumstances of the last two years have shown us the value of protecting the innovation ecosystem that allowed for the rapid development and dissemination of the COVID-19 vaccine. But rather than bolster those protections, the WTO is proposing the opposite. Furthering distribution of COVID-19 vaccinations is a noble and worthy goal and one that TAM actively supports. Yet there are...

The following can be attributed to Tony Bennett, president & CEO of the Texas Association of Manufacturers:

“The new Samsung semiconductor plant will invigorate this region’s economy and generate tremendous opportunities for this community for generations to come. The project will create thousands of high-quality jobs, generate millions of dollars in state and local tax revenue every year, and attract additional vendors and suppliers that will want to locate near the Samsung facility – creating multiple more jobs and added tax wealth to ripple through the region’s economy. Global competition is steep for advanced manufacturing projects of this caliber and the City of Taylor and Williamson County have certainly achieved a most-coveted prize. Congratulations to the community, and to Samsung, for making this huge opportunity a reality.”

+++

Media contact: Gretchen Fox, 512-694-4326

The following can be attributed to Tony Bennett, president & CEO of the Texas Association of Manufacturers.

“As the Administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency visits Texas to discuss environmental justice issues tomorrow, it is important to remember that Texas manufacturers have a long and successful track record as good neighbors in the communities where they operate. Rigorous operational standards and stringent regulations are working to keep communities, our workforce and the environment safe. For generations, manufacturers have invested locally, maintained strong relationships with neighbors, and supported a robust workforce, which has strengthened Texas communities.”

+++

Media contact: Gretchen Fox, 512-694-4326

The following can be attributed to Tony Bennett, president & CEO of the Texas Association of Manufacturers.

“The Texas Association of Manufacturers thanks Governor Abbott for his efforts to bring the National Semiconductor Technology Center to Texas. Advanced manufacturing research and development and investment is the very future of the Texas economy and critical to the security interests of our nation. Texas has all the necessary ingredients to land both the semiconductor technology center and the advanced packaging manufacturing program. Our state has a long history with a robust and growing semiconductor industry, dating back to 1958 when Texas Instruments engineer Jack Kilby invented the microchip and revolutionized electronics. And we possess a world-class university research and technology community ready to take on the next evolution of this industry. Texas remains the number one exporter of manufactured goods in the nation, so our skilled and growing workforce is ready to take on this incredible opportunity.”

+++

Media contact: Gretchen...

Opinion by TAM President & CEO Tony Bennett, as published in the San Antonio Express-News.

The Texas economy is strong because policymakers trust employers to run their businesses in ways that grow jobs and maintain a productive workforce. A healthy workforce results in a more productive workforce, and the ongoing pandemic reminds us how quickly illness can impact the global economy — resulting in slowed manufacturing, the inability to get goods to consumers, job losses and lost tax revenue.

As we continue to navigate the pandemic, Texas policymakers must allow Texas employers to decide their own best practices to maintain workplace health and safety. To do otherwise would establish a concerning precedent of state interference into determining what workforce health and safety policies are best, without regard for a particular industry’s needs or the differences in manufacturing work environments.

Specifically, Texas...

As seen in the Austin Business Journal's People on the Move.

The Texas Association of Manufacturers (TAM) has promoted Wroe Jackson to Vice President and General Counsel.

Since joining TAM in 2019, Jackson has overseen the Association’s strategic planning initiatives, legislative and regulatory advocacy, membership support and recruitment, and coordination among the Association’s executive leadership. In his new role, he will also serve as the primary legal advisor to the Association and its membership, providing counsel and analysis on policy and legislation, regulatory compliance, and internal legal matters.

Jackson will continue to represent Texas manufacturers before Texas legislative and regulatory bodies as well as federal agencies.

Prior to joining TAM, Jackson was chief of staff and general counsel for Senator Joan Huffman, general counsel for the three Texas Secretaries of State and held positions with the U.S. Department of Justice and then-Governor Rick Perry’s office.

“Since joining TAM,...

As published in the San Antonio-Express News

While the budget, pandemic and the aftermath of Winter Storm Uri dominated much of the 87th Texas Legislature, lawmakers made unmatched progress in education-to-workforce alignment issues that will have long-term benefits for students, employers and economy.

The new policies will ensure students have access to educational opportunities needed for the job market in Texas. Crafting quality workforce-development programs requires collaboration between employers, high schools, and community and technical colleges. House Bill 3938 by Rep. Keith Bell, R-Forney, advances this goal by creating an advisory council of business, teachers and community colleges to develop industry-based certifications to prepare students to meet workforce needs.

A public school finance bill by Rep. Dan Huberty, R-Kingwood, House Bill 1525, improves the formula funding for career and technical education, or CTE,...

The following can be attributed to Tony Bennett, president and CEO of the Texas Association of Manufacturers.

“The Legislature failed to renew Chapter 313, our most important economic development tool, and our neighboring states are surely celebrating to see Texas throw in the towel. These states are hungrier than we are and don’t take for granted the economic engines of their states. As a result, other states will enjoy the massive rate of return of offering limited property tax discounts to attract multi-billion dollar projects and thousands of high-paying jobs. Meanwhile, Texas will be sidelined for major automotive, petrochemical, aerospace and high-tech manufacturing projects that cannot afford to locate in a state with the fourth highest property taxes in the nation, especially when nearly all other states offer property tax discounts. With the federal government directing funds to encourage construction of 7 to 10 semiconductor plants, no one should be surprised that Texas won’t be in the running because without Chapter 313, we can’t compete. I never...

Bennett: "Texas must be globally competitive."

The Texas Association of Manufacturers today released its “TAM Top Ten,” which details the Association’s policy priorities for the 87th Legislature in 2021.

“Pandemic economic recovery, competitiveness and job growth are at the core of our priorities for the 87th Legislature,” said Tony Bennett, president of the Texas Association of Manufacturers. “From economic development and critical infrastructure to workforce readiness and equity in tax policy, we are calling on lawmakers to advance Texas' global competitiveness.”

Bennett noted that Texas is the #1 state for exported manufactured goods and remains the #1 state to do business. “Smart public policy has been the key in keeping Texas on top,” he said.

TAM’s Top Ten policy priorities include:

1. Preserve Authority to Offer Limited, Temporary Property Tax Discounts
2. Pandemic Liability Reform
3. Equality in Business Taxation
4. Business Personal Property Tax...

The following opinion from Tony Bennett, president and CEO of the Texas Association of Manufacturers and Dale Craymer, president of the Texas Taxpayers & Research Association, originally appeared in the San Antonio Express-News.

Commentary: Tesla deal generates tax dollars for Texas

By Tony Bennett and Dale Craymer

Limited and temporary property tax discounts, known as Chapter 313 agreements, allow Texas communities to attract major industrial projects, keep Texas competitive and grow jobs — and they do not cost taxpayers a dime. Regular critics of these discounts frequently mischaracterize the program by claiming companies receive taxpayer dollars to locate in Texas, which is not true.

The notion that Tesla’s new facility in Travis County’s Del Valle ISD will cost Texas taxpayers “millions of dollars,” as has been reported, is unfounded.

Tesla locating in Texas will generate new tax...

As Texas and the United States move forward to recover from the devastating impact of the COVID-19 crisis, it is a reminder of how critical manufacturing is to our everyday lives.

Just a few months ago, most Texans might not have known what the terms PPE or “social distancing” meant, but as we continue to move forward, we wanted to highlight just a few ways Texas manufacturers quickly adapted to retool operations to meet the demand for critical products needed to protect healthcare workers, first responders, patients and the public.

Boeing has donated tens of thousands of units of PPE — including face masks, goggles, gloves, safety glasses and protective bodysuits — to support health care professionals battling COVID-19 in some of the hardest-hit locations in the United States.

The Bayer Company joined the U.S. Government's fight against COVID-19 with a...

AUSTIN -- The Texas Association of Manufacturers (TAM) applauded the members of the Texas Legislature for their work this session to strengthen the Texas economy with smart policy related to taxes, economic and workforce development and natural resources.

“Public policy that encourages investment in Texas is the cornerstone of our ability to compete in the global marketplace,” said Tony Bennett, president of TAM.

Several of TAM’s priorities passed the Legislature including an extension of Chapter 312 of the Texas Tax Code (HB 3143), which allows cities and counties to grant temporary property tax exemptions to new investment projects; HB 1607, which better aligns the Texas franchise tax deduction rules with federal contracts for the aerospace and defense industry; and HB 3, which includes provisions that will bolster workforce development in Texas. These bills are now headed to Governor Abbott for his signature.

“Chapter 312 is one of the most important economic development tools we have to attract major industrial investment to the state. Renewing Chapter...

AUSTIN, TEXAS - The Texas Association of Manufacturers (TAM) and its members gathered at the State Capitol today to celebrate Texas Manufacturers’ Day, impressing upon lawmakers that “manufacturing matters” to the state’s economy and the roughly 870,000 Texans who work in the industry.

Industry leaders urged elected officials to embrace legislation that would attract investment, grow jobs and strengthen the Texas workforce.

“The Legislature must maintain policies that keep Texas in the game to attract major investments and jobs here,” said Tony Bennett, president and CEO of TAM. “We need smart economic development tools, policies that strengthen our competitive position and a ready workforce for today’s manufacturing job opportunities.”

TAM and its members discussed the following specific issues during meetings at the Capitol today:

TAM supports renewal of Chapter 312 of the Texas Tax Code that allows counties and cities to offer temporary tax exemptions to attract new capital investment projects and all the quality jobs that...

AUSTIN – The Texas Association of Manufacturers today released an economic impact study that shows the State of Texas would realize more than $76 million in additional annual state revenue from the aerospace and defense (A&D) industry – and help recover 4,000 lost jobs – if Texas aligned state franchise tax policy with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). The FAR provides “uniform policy and procedures for acquisition” for companies doing business with the federal government.

“Defense-related aerospace activity is a cornerstone of the Texas economy, with 17 of the top 20 firms in the nation with a substantial presence here,” said Tony Bennett, president and CEO of the Texas Association of Manufacturers. “More than 44,000 employees – many of them military veterans – earn more than $100,000 in these high-quality jobs. We owe it to the men and women who are contributing to the security of our nation and our economy to...

Bennett: “Competitiveness is Priority One”

Austin - The Texas Association of Manufacturers today released its “TAM Top Ten,” which details the Association’s policy priorities for the 86th Legislature in 2019.

“Competitiveness and job growth are at the core of our priorities for the 86th Legislature,” said Tony Bennett, president of the Texas Association of Manufacturers. “From economic development and tax policy to workforce development and properly funded regulators, the Legislature has tremendous opportunities to protect and advance our global competitiveness in the upcoming session.”

Bennett noted that Texas is the #1 state for exported manufactured goods and remains the #1 state to do business. “Smart public policy, with an eye on competitiveness, will keep Texas on top,” he said.

TAM’s Top Ten policy priorities include:

1. Preserve Property Tax Abatement Authority
2. Global Economic Competitiveness
3. Equality in Business Taxation
4. Business Personal Property Tax Reform...

Stephanie Simpson Headed into Pharmaceutical Private Sector

Austin – The Texas Association of Manufacturers (TAM) has named Lauren Wied Fairbanks as Director of Government Affairs and Operations. Longtime TAM Vice President Stephanie Simpson has accepted a government affairs position in the pharmaceutical industry.

“Stephanie Simpson has been a tremendous asset to our Association and manufacturers across Texas,” said Bennett. “In a few short years, Stephanie elevated this Association to new levels – efforts that take most organizations many years to achieve. From membership and operations to legislative and regulatory initiatives, Stephanie is passing a well-oiled machine into Lauren’s capable hands. We know that Lauren’s extensive government relations skills and experience will serve our members well.”

Fairbanks was previously a Principal at Waterloo Lobby & Advocacy, Inc. and worked for Beatty, Bangle, Strama P.C. and then-State Senator Glenn Hager.

At TAM, Fairbanks will oversee strategic planning...

The following can be attributed to Tony Bennett, president and CEO of the Texas Association of Manufacturers (TAM).

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) remains a shining example of how a successful, competitive energy market should be designed. In relying on free market principles rather than administrative and regulatory intervention, the ERCOT market strikes the right balance between reliability and costs for Texas customers. As we have seen in other states, government mandates and market interventions dramatically increase the cost of electricity without improving reliability.

This morning, ERCOT released its most recent projection of Capacity, Demand and Reserves (the “CDR” report). The CDR report estimates the amount of generation expected above and beyond what is actually needed to meet customer demand. Not surprisingly, projected generation reserves have dipped to reflect the significant coal retirements that occurred over the last few months. In a free energy market, price signals naturally encourage the replacement of...

The following can be attributed to Tony Bennett, president and CEO of the Texas Association of Manufacturers:

“Texas manufacturing facilities – including chemical plants, refineries, and food and beverage production – carefully plan and practice shutdown and start up procedures to protect workers, facilities, and product quality before, during and after a major storm. Many manufacturing facilities along the Texas Gulf Coast shut down ahead of Hurricane Harvey as part of their preparedness plans.

As the storm moves on and manufacturers begin recovery and restart efforts, safety will be the number one priority.

Each facility must be inspected for damage, repaired as necessary and deemed safe for employees and contractors to return to work. To restart, a manufacturing facility needs power, access to pipelines and other transportation infrastructure, feedstock materials, and a fully staffed workforce to manufacture their products.

Texas manufacturing facilities affected by Hurricane Harvey are working to restore operations as...

By Tony Bennett, Dale Craymer and Hector Rivero

Texas is not immune to competition.

As some Texas lawmakers push to gut our economic development policies, other states are falling all over themselves to out-compete Texas to land major industrial projects and the thousands of jobs that come with them.

It’s smug to suggest that Texas doesn’t need to compete and can afford to disarm itself at a time when other states are becoming more aggressive with investment incentives.

Other states also have more than sufficient infrastructure to accommodate new investment — ports, pipelines and refineries. Other states have natural resources. Other states have a ready workforce. In addition to robust investment incentive programs, other states have lower property taxes.

Texas is not so mighty to think we can walk off the field and remain a champion.

Complacent players might get lucky once in a while, but they can’t sustain a winning streak.

Texans deserve policies that maintain and create quality jobs and economic progress.

Unfortunately,...

The following can be attributed to Tony Bennett, President & CEO of the Texas Association of Manufacturers.

“The Texas Association of Manufacturers continues to monitor development of federal corporate tax reform policy, including discussion of the ‘Better Way Tax Reform’ proposal. At this time, the Texas Association of Manufacturers is neutral on the proposal. While much of the proposal is positive for Texas manufacturers, some provisions, such as border adjustments, require further study. We are hopeful that Congress will work its way toward a final tax reform package that keeps Texas manufacturers competitive and global trade robust.”

Media contact: Gretchen Fox, 512-694-4326

By Tony Bennett, president and CEO of the Texas Association of Manufacturers

Texans are deeply proud of our state’s business-friendly climate and our hardworking people.

Consistently named as one of the top states for business, if Texas were a country it would rank 10th globally in economic output, just behind Brazil.

Look no further than the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area.

With its combination of location, natural resources and pro-job-creation policies at the local level, Dallas-Fort Worth is home to a significant number of major manufacturers, such as Lockheed Martin, General Motors and Texas Instruments.

In fact, Dallas-Fort Worth has more manufacturing activity than any other metropolitan area in the state, employing more than a quarter of a million Texans and playing a vital role in boosting the region’s economy.

While many factors are working to our collective advantage, never ending streams of Obama administration regulations threaten our positive momentum.

The most recent assault on good-paying jobs and private sector growth by...

New Study Outlines Cost of Labor Regulations

Washington, D.C. – The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), Texas Association of Business (TAB) and Texas Association of Manufacturers (TAM) have released a new study that outlines the destructive legacy this administration’s relentless labor regulatory agenda will leave for manufacturers, their employees and the communities in which they live.

Regulations on issues such as contractor blacklisting, employee overtime, silica, union elections and injury and illness reporting will not only result in hundreds of millions of hours of paperwork, but will also come at a price tag of more than $80 billion in compliance costs over the next 10 years.

“This kind of financial burden hinders job growth,” said Cathy DeWitt, TAB Vice President of Governmental Affairs. “Manufacturing is a source of good paying jobs in Texas and growing the manufacturing sector should be a priority. These policies will not foster that growth.”

“The federal government’s recent labor...

By Tony Bennett and Chris Wallace

In an era when political parties have never seemed more different, there is one major area where Democrats and Republicans strongly agree - the need to create more high-skill, high-wage jobs to strengthen our economy. Whether you care most about lagging economic growth, massive deficits or skyrocketing income inequality, increasing the pool of quality, middle-class manufacturing jobs is one of the most effective paths forward.

In Texas, we know this better than most. Our state's manufacturers generate nearly 15 percent of our total economic output and employ more than 866,000 men and women in jobs that pay an average of nearly $80,000 a year. Even as the critical oil and natural gas industries have been buffeted by chaotic and unpredictable global events, demand in the broader manufacturing sector has stayed strong and stable, providing a lifeline for our state's economy and Texans seeking "ladder up" opportunities to support their families and better their lives.

For the most part, policymakers in Washington...

The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals has stayed the Environmental Protection Agency’s federal regional haze plan for Texas. The following can be attributed to Tony Bennett, president of the Texas Association of Manufacturers.

“The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals was right to stay implementation of the EPA’s regional haze plan, which would have dramatically threatened Texans’ access to reliable electricity and caused unnecessary increases in power prices.

In its decision, the court argued the stay was necessary because the challengers ‘demonstrated a strong likelihood of success in establishing that EPA acted arbitrarily, capriciously, and in excess of its statutory authority.’

Regulatory overreach is the hallmark of this administration’s EPA and the regional haze plan is the agency’s latest attempt to shut down more than 20% of the power generation in Texas. The EPA’s regional haze plan is separate and apart from the EPA’s Clean Power...

Austin - The Texas Association of Manufacturers today released its “TAM Top Ten,” which details the association’s policy priorities for the 2016 interim and the 85th Legislature in 2017.

“Manufacturing is a driving force of our economy and a wide range of policy issues can impact our ability to grow jobs,” said Tony Bennett, president of the Texas Association of Manufacturers. “Texas is the #1 state for exported manufactured goods. Texas is the #1 state to do business. We look forward to working with Texas lawmakers to keep Texas on top.”

TAM’s Top 10 policy priorities include:

1. Mitigate Major Electricity Rate Hikes

2. Maintain Competitive Pro-Growth Jobs and Tax Wealth Policies

3. Oppose Property Tax Value Shifts to Industry

4. Equality in Business Taxation

5. Business Inventory Tax Reform

6. Career & College Education Reform Implementation

7. Water Supply and Conservation

8. Competitive Truck...

1. By Tony Bennett, president of the Texas Association of Manufacturers

Until about a year and a half ago, most Americans had probably never heard of the U.S. Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im), which is our nation's export credit agency that finances exports of American-made products. The Bank is a must-have economic tool for exporters in the United States to compete globally, as all major exporting countries have a similar credit agency. Sadly, Ex-Im Bank has become a pawn in hyperpartisan politics of the worst kind and the fallout for small businesses in Houston and beyond has been real and lasting.

A determined band of congressmen has been doing its dead-level best to kill the agency and the thousands of Texas companies and employees that depend on exporting to stay in business. Amid political jockeying - which has nothing to do with good government - the authorization that allows the Ex-Im Bank to extend credit to private companies expired in June and the agency has been unable to finance exports ever since.

The congressmen's opposition? They claim the bank...