AUSTIN — Today C.S.S.B. 1084 by Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, relating to the Enterprise Zone Program, passed the Senate Committee on Economic Development unanimously. Senator Hinojosa filed S.B. 1084 as a legislative priority to promote stronger incentives for job creation in the state of Texas, specifically in economically distressed areas.

"This legislation is about creating opportunity for Texans in blighted communities through the creation of new jobs and new investment," said Senator Hinojosa. "The state of Texas leads the nation in job creation and consistently has a lower unemployment rate that national average. This bill will induce growth and economic development making sure these distressed communities move forward with the state and are part of Texas' flourishing economy."

Senator Hinojosa authored the original bill creating the Enterprise Zone Program in the '80s to provide businesses with incentives to locate in economically disadvantaged areas and create jobs. The Enterprise Zone Program refunds sales taxes to qualifying businesses that meet employment and investment criteria set out in statute. It has proven to be one of the most successful economic programs in the state of Texas with one of the best return on investment.

"This bill emphasizes stronger incentives for job creation, maintains incentives for job retention, promotes small business participation in the program, allows counties to partner with municipalities through inter-local agreements to nominate projects, and incentivizes the hiring of honorably discharged veterans in our communities and those that are returning home from service.

Jobs provide opportunities for individuals and families to better their situation and prospects. Jobs provide young adults with hope of a better future, individuals and parents the pride and dignity of being able to support themselves and their family, and communities an attractive future," Hinojosa said.

C.S.S.B. 1084 will next be debated before the full Senate.

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