TAB Leads 49 Groups in Push for Small Business Flood Relief with SB 26 & HB 109
Half of all Texans are employed by small businesses, and 40% don’t recover from disasters, risking economic collapse after recent floods.
FEATUREDPOLICY
Austin, TX — On August 1, 2025, the Texas Association of Business (TAB), alongside 49 business groups, urged lawmakers to pass Senate Bill 26 and House Bill 109 during the special session to expand disaster loan relief for small businesses hit by recent floods, as announced at a virtual press conference today. The Details:
TAB President & CEO Glenn Hamer said, “Legislators have an important opportunity to streamline recovery loans… we applaud Senator Carol Alvarado and Chairwoman Angie Chen Button for their leadership.”
The bills consolidate two programs into the Micro-Business Disaster Recovery Loan Program, raising the employee cap from 20 to 99, and allow loans for payroll to save jobs.
Loans will be repaid to Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), creating a revolving fund for future disasters.
Texas Restaurant Association’s Kelsey Erickson Streufert noted, “Nearly 50 business groups… urge the legislature to expand the disaster recovery loan program to prevent economic disaster.”
The push follows July 4th Central Texas floods and last year’s Hurricane Beryl, aiming to bridge gaps until federal or insurance aid arrives.
Why It Matters:
This relief could protect jobs and local economies devastated by recurring natural disasters.
Supporting Organizations:
Chambers: Kerrville, Tyler, Kilgore, Metrocrest, Longview, Metro San Antonio, Mont Belvieu, Comfort Area, North Lake Travis, Lindale, Fredericksburg, Lubbock, Mason County, San Angelo, Grapevine, Kimble County, Visit Fort Worth, North Texas Commission, Center for Transforming Lives, Greater Arlington, Parker County, Fort Worth Metropolitan Black, Fort Worth Hispanic, Fort Bend, San Marcos, Frisco, Deer Park, El Paso, Cuero, Bastrop, HEB, San Antonio Hispanic, Round Rock.
Associations: Texas Association of Business Texas Restaurant Association, NFIB, Texas Travel Alliance, Texas Retailers Association, Camping Association for Mutual Progress, Texas Hotel and Lodging Association, Texas Licensed Child Care Association, Texas Automobile Dealers Association, Asian American Hotel Owners Association, Texas Package Stores Association, Texas Food & Fuel Association, Texas Nursery & Landscape Association, Texas Campgrounds, Texas Distilled Spirits Association.