In mid-July, the Austin Chamber Board of Directors convened to address the Texas Legislature special session agenda. The board affirmed each of its previously held positions which is to remain neutral on all special session agenda items except for the legislation related to transgender youth sports. We continue to oppose legislation that targets members of the LGBTQ community.

In addition to affirming the Chamber Board of Directors previously held positions, the board did feel it was necessary and appropriate to speak with one voice about the importance of protecting the right to vote and what we believe must be the foundation of any legislation to be considered by the state legislature.

The statement is as follows:

“The right to vote is the essential mechanism by which we maintain our democracy. Progress has been hard-fought, but there is still work to be done to protect the core activity that allows people to make their voices heard in our democratic republic. The Austin Chamber of Commerce board believes the legislature should work together to find bipartisan solutions that would expand eligible voter participation, not deny or abridge it, secure voting rights and equity across socioeconomic circumstances and race while affirming faith in our electoral process. Our hope is that through bipartisan efforts to achieve these goals, Texas will be recognized across the country – and the world – as a bastion of democracy, open for business and welcoming to all.”