TAB and USLege Announce the Launch of TXLege News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: laura@uslege.ai
October 15, 2024:
TAB and USLege Announce the Launch of TXLege News - Texas Chamber Business News: A Resource for Texas Legislative, Chamber, and Business Community News
AUSTIN, TEXAS – The Texas Association of Business (TAB), in collaboration with legislative AI software company USLege, is excited to announce the launch of TXLege News—Texas Chamber Business News (TCBN)—a new news platform providing comprehensive, bipartisan coverage of key developments impacting the Texas business community, including legislative updates, industry news, and expert analysis.
As the voice of Texas business, TAB is committed to keeping members, chamber partners, and stakeholders informed on the issues that matter most. TCBN will deliver timely, relevant updates from industry leaders and the Texas Legislature, providing critical insights that shape the business landscape across the state.
USLege, the owner of TXLege News, will serve as a primary source for essential updates on legislative proceedings that influence the Texas business environment. From tracking economic trends to highlighting innovation-driven initiatives, we aim to inform business leaders about the developments that drive growth in Texas.
TCBN will also provide in-depth coverage of legislative sessions and elections, ensuring subscribers stay current on the bills and policies that directly impact Texas businesses. With a commitment to a bipartisan approach, TXLege News offers balanced reporting and thoughtful analysis from all sides of the political spectrum.
Beyond legislative news, the platform will cover important stories and trends shaping the future of Texas—from workforce development to the latest technological advancements. TCBN is designed for business leaders, chamber members, policymakers, and engaged citizens who seek the knowledge needed to navigate the state’s evolving business environment.
"Texas Chamber Business News represents a significant step forward in our mission to equip the Texas business community with the information they need to thrive," said Glenn Hamer, President and CEO of TAB. "Through our partnership with USLege, we are proud to launch TCBN, utilizing cutting-edge technology and AI-driven insights to deliver timely, accurate, and relevant news."
"We are proud to have the Texas Association of Business as an investor and partner. USLege plans to expand its legislative tracking and analysis services to other states, ensuring that our partners benefit from real-time, AI-driven legislative insights," said Laura Carr, Co-Founder of USLege.
"With our AI technology, TXLege News will remain a reliable and unbiased source of information for business leaders, policymakers, our investors, and partners," added Eric Davis, CEO of USLege.
Subscribers to TCBN will receive regular content directly in their inboxes, featuring top stories, exclusive interviews, expert commentary, and the latest legislative and election updates. The platform is designed to be accessible, engaging, and informative, catering to the diverse needs of the Texas business community.
The Texas Association of Business (TAB) is Texas' premier business advocacy organization, representing over 1,500 companies of all sizes and industries, as well as more than 200 local chambers. TAB works to ensure Texas remains the best state for business by advocating for policies that promote economic growth, innovation, and opportunity.
USLege is a Texas-based software company that utilizes advanced artificial intelligence and natural language processing to revolutionize how legislative and election data is monitored, analyzed, and delivered. By providing real-time, personalized updates and AI-driven insights, USLege empowers businesses, policymakers, researchers, journalists, and advocacy groups to stay informed and navigate complex legislative landscapes. With a focus on improving transparency and accessibility, USLege ensures its users can quickly and efficiently track the legislative developments that matter most to them. Click here to schedule a demo. Follow USLege on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, and Instagram.
For more information about TCBN or to subscribe to the newsletter, click here.
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TAB is the Texas State Chamber, representing companies of every size and industry. The Association’s purpose is to champion the best business climate in the world, unleashing the power of free enterprise to enhance lives for generations. Follow TAB on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
🎙️We Have a Podcast! 🎙️
Bills and Business is your go-to podcast for conversations related to Texas legislation and business. Hosted by Laura Carr, Co-Founder of USLege—an AI-driven legislative tracking software—we bring you in-depth analysis on economic trends, impactful legislation, and key developments shaping Texas business.
Subscribe on Youtube and Spotify for weekly episodes!
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🤝 Texas Association of Business 📈
Texas Association of Business (TAB) is the Texas State Chamber, representing companies of every size and industry. TAB’s purpose is to champion the best business climate in the world, unleashing the power of free enterprise to enhance lives for generations.
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Texas Political Spotlight
In solidarity with the Texas Hill Country, please visit TXBiz News’ page to see ways to support our state through this hardship: Hill Country Flood Relief
Welcome back, friends
Governor Abbott has called a high-stakes special session packed with issues ranging from flood response to redistricting, abortion, and THC regulation, just weeks after deadly storms swept Central Texas. Meanwhile, Sen. Angela Paxton announced her divorce from Attorney General Ken Paxton amidst a heated US Senate GOP primary. Lastly, in Boca Chica, SpaceX’s newest project is drawing attention from environmental advocates worried about its impact on coastal dunes.
Today’s Insights:
- Governor Abbott Officially Sets Special Session Agenda
- Sen. Angela Paxton Announces Divorce from Attorney General Ken Paxton Amidst Heated US Senate GOP Primary
- Space X Set To Build Liquid Oxygen Plant in South Texas
Governor Abbott Officially Sets Special Session Agenda
Governor Greg Abbott has called Texas lawmakers back to Austin for a July 21 special session with an 18-item agenda including issues such as natural disaster preparedness, abortion restrictions, THC regulation, and congressional redistricting. The top four items address the catastrophic flooding across Central Texas that left over 100 people dead and more than 160 still missing. Abbott is urging swift action to improve early warning systems and emergency communications, and to provide financial support for flood-impacted areas. “We must ensure better preparation for such events in the future,” the governor said while visiting Kerr County, one of the hardest-hit regions.
While flood response dominates the immediate urgency, the governor's agenda also reopens contentious debates that stalled during the regular session earlier this year. These include efforts to eliminate the STAAR test, limit abortion access, particularly regarding medical abortion, and regulate hemp-derived THC products without imposing a full ban. Abbott’s recent veto of a GOP-led THC ban signaled a more measured approach focused on potency limits potential regulation. At the same time, he is calling for legislation to “further protect unborn children and their mothers,” in what could become another high-profile ideological fight at the Capitol.
Perhaps the most politically consequential item is mid-decade redistricting. Abbott cites constitutional concerns raised by the U.S. Department of Justice, but critics, including Texas Democrats and advocacy groups, argue the effort is designed to redraw key districts in favor of Republicans ahead of the 2026 elections. Civil rights groups have also raised concerns about the inclusion of legislation to “protect women’s privacy in sex-segregated spaces,” interpreting it as a revival of what critics referred to as "bathroom bills". With lawmakers convening for up to 30 days, and the possibility of additional sessions, Texans can expect legislative action for a while.
Sen. Angela Paxton Announces Divorce from Attorney General Ken Paxton Amidst Heated US Senate GOP Primary
Sen. Angela Paxton announced Thursday she is filing for divorce from her husband, Attorney General Ken Paxton. In her statement, the McKinney Republican said she had “earnestly pursued reconciliation,” but that recent discoveries made continuing the marriage untenable. The couple have long been prominent figures in Texas politics, with Angela Paxton holding the Senate seat her husband once occupied. Ken Paxton attributed the separation to the “pressures of countless political attacks and public scrutiny.”
The announcement comes as Ken Paxton mounts a high-profile primary challenge against U.S. Sen. John Cornyn.
Space X Set To Build Liquid Oxygen Plant in South Texas
Cameron County commissioners have approved a construction permit allowing SpaceX to build an air separator facility near the sand dunes of Boca Chica Beach, a decision that has sparked environmental concerns among local residents. The facility—described as a compact industrial plant with 20 structures on 1.66 acres—will separate nitrogen and oxygen from the air to support rocket launches, reducing the need for over 200 truck deliveries per launch from Brownsville. Although SpaceX agreed to mitigation measures and shifting construction further inland to minimize dune disruption, critics remain skeptical, citing limited public input and concerns over the project's impact on vegetation and wildlife. The permit requires SpaceX to restore or replace any damaged dunes, with enforcement authority resting with the Texas General Land Office.
“I think that it’s clearly true today how the government of Cameron County is kind of falling over to please SpaceX”
We hope you enjoyed today’s read!
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TXElects Election Updates
We bring you latest candidate filings, campaign finance information and more for all candidates running for statewide, legislative and congressional offices.
Senate Race In Monday’s Austin press conference on the 2-year anniversary of the Dobbs v. Jackson decision, Democrat Colin Allred included his wife Alexandra Eber as a featured speaker on abortion issues. Eber discussed challenges faced by pregnant women and said that “Politicians in Texas, like Ted Cruz, have done the unthinkable, which is to make it ever harder for women in those unthinkable moments.”
The Texas Politics Project’s June polling found that 45% of Texans believe abortion laws should be less strict, with 23% preferring no change, and 20% preferring stricter abortion laws.
Cruz leads Allred 45% to 34%, according to the Texas Politics Project’s June poll. Allred leads Cruz among Hispanic voters, 38% to 34%, while Cruz led 18-29 year olds 32% to 30%.
Speaker Race The Republican Party of Texas listed “No Democrat Chairs” as its fourth highest legislative priority in its recently released 2024 platform. Last regular session, Speaker Dade Phelan appointed 9 of the 37 House committee chairmanships to Democrats. Phelan defeated challenger David Covey by 366 votes in the runoff primary election and currently faces two challengers for the speakership: Rep. Shelby Slawson and Rep. Tom Oliverson.
Dade Phelan spending Speaker Dade Phelan made $5M in contributions to Texas House 2024 primary candidates and PACs. His largest 20 expenditures were:
Explore our databases and analysis tools for more election insights.
TXElects Election Updates
We bring you the latest candidate filings, campaign finance information and more for all candidates running for statewide, legislative and congressional offices.
Texas campaign spending
Texans for Lawsuit Reform PAC contributed at least $10M in total to Texas Legislature primary and runoff races. The top 20 expenditures were:
Texans United for a Conservative Majority contributed at least $7.7M in total to Texas Legislature primary and runoff races. The top 20 expenditures were:
Gov. Greg Abbott spent nearly contributed almost $9M in total to Texas Legislature primary and runoff races. The top 20 expenditures were:
Senate Race
UT Tyler’s June 11-20 Texas Registered Voter Survey shows Sen. Ted Cruz leading Democrat challenger Colin Allred 43% to 39%. Respondents listed securing the border as the most important policy issue facing Texas, followed by inflation and reproductive rights.
HD 70
In a Dallas WFAA Inside Texas Politics interview, incumbent Democrat Rep. Mihaela Plesa responded to claims that her district is one of the likeliest to flip. “We do the work, they said that last cycle and we were out-funded 4 to 1 … and we won.” The interview also covers school choice, the Speaker race, IVF, grid infrastructure, and other issues.
Biden debate performance
The Texas Tribune reported on down-ballot discussions following President Biden’s debate performance last Thursday. Former Republican Congresswoman Mayra Flores, currently challenging incumbent Democratic Congressman Vicente Gonzalez, wrote in a text message that “Gonzalez has supported Joe Biden every step of the way … Now is not the time for feeble leadership from Biden or blind yes men like Gonzalez.”
Democratic State Rep. Ron Reynolds of Missouri City wrote on Instagram that he was “very disturbed” by the debate and supported the nomination of VP Kamala Harris in place of President Biden. Democratic Congressman Marc Veasey took an alternate stance, encouraging members to not “say anything that they will regret later before everybody’s had a chance to just kind of chill a little bit.”
Explore our databases and analysis tools for more election insights.
