Government Affairs Committee
The Metrocrest Area Chamber Government Affairs Committee serves as the unified voice of business for Addison, Carrollton, Farmers Branch, and the broader Metrocrest region. Made up of engaged Chamber members from a variety of industries, the committee helps guide the Chamber’s advocacy priorities and ensures local employers are informed, represented, and heard.
The committee is chaired by Crista Retana Lule of Children’s Health, and brings together business leaders who care deeply about economic competitiveness, workforce development, infrastructure, education, healthcare access, and responsible public policy.
What We Do
The Metrocrest Area Chamber actively advocates for businesses at the local, state, and federal levels by:
- Monitoring and tracking legislation that impacts employers and the regional economy
- Providing timely legislative updates and issue briefings to Chamber members
- Engaging directly with elected officials, staff, and agency leaders
- Serving as a connector between business leaders and policymakers
- Advocating locally on issues affecting taxes, regulation, workforce, infrastructure, and quality of life
- Coordinating regional conversations with partner chambers and business organizations when appropriate
Even outside of active legislative sessions, the committee focuses on relationship-building, education, and preparation so the Chamber is ready to engage quickly and effectively when issues arise.
Meeting Schedule
The Government Affairs Committee meets the first Monday of each month at 2:00 PM. Meetings include legislative updates, discussion of emerging issues, guest speakers when available, and planning for advocacy engagement.
Get Involved
Participation is open to Chamber members who want to stay informed and play a role in shaping the business environment of the Metrocrest region.
To be included or to learn more, contact Michael Gallops, President and CEO of the Metrocrest Area Chamber.
Metrocrest Area Chamber Endorses Key 2025 Constitutional Amendments
On November 4, 2025, Texans will decide on 17 proposed constitutional amendments that will shape the future of our state’s economy, workforce, and infrastructure.
After careful review, the Metrocrest Area Chamber Government Affairs Committee, which includes members from small businesses, large corporations, education, government, and community organizations, recommended several amendments that directly impact the business community.
These recommendations were unanimously approved by the Metrocrest Area Chamber Board of Directors.
Endorsed Amendments
The Metrocrest Area Chamber Board endorsed the following amendments because they have a direct impact on business, workforce development, infrastructure, and economic competitiveness:
Proposition 1 (SJR 59) – Workforce Education Funding
Creates permanent funds to expand technical training through the Texas State Technical College System.
Business Connection: Strengthens the workforce pipeline with industry-aligned education and skills development.
Proposition 2 (SJR 18) – Ban on Capital Gains Taxes
Prohibits state taxes on realized or unrealized capital gains.
Business Connection: Preserves Texas’ investment-friendly, pro-business environment.
Proposition 4 (HJR 7) – Water Infrastructure Funding
Dedicates $1 billion annually from sales tax revenue to the Texas Water Fund.
Business Connection: Ensures long-term water reliability to support business growth and population demands.
Proposition 5 (HJR 99) – Animal Feed Inventory Tax Exemption
Authorizes a property tax exemption for retail animal feed inventory.
Business Connection: Provides targeted tax relief for agricultural retailers and producers.
Proposition 6 (HJR 4) – Ban on Securities Transaction Taxes
Prohibits taxes on securities exchanges or financial transactions.
Business Connection: Helps Texas attract financial markets and maintain a low-tax business climate.
Proposition 8 (HJR 2) – Ban on Estate and Inheritance Taxes
Prohibits state-level estate, inheritance, and gift transfer taxes.
Business Connection: Provides predictability for family-owned businesses and succession planning.
Proposition 9 (HJR 1) – Business Personal Property Tax Exemption
Exempts the first $125,000 of business tangible personal property from ad valorem taxation.
Business Connection: Provides meaningful relief to small and medium-sized businesses while reducing compliance burdens.
Proposition 13 (SJR 2) – Homestead Property Tax Exemption Increase
Raises the school district homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000.
Business Connection: While primarily residential, it addresses the broader property tax burden that affects overall economic vitality.
Important Note
Endorsement of these propositions does not mean the Chamber opposes the remaining amendments. These eight were selected because they have a direct impact on business, workforce development, infrastructure, and the overall economic climate, which are key priorities in the Chamber’s legislative agenda.
Learn More
For a complete overview of all 17 proposed amendments, including business-related summaries view or download the following resources:
A Message from the Chamber
The Metrocrest Area Chamber is committed to advocating for policies that strengthen our business climate, develop a skilled workforce, and support long-term prosperity in Addison, Carrollton, and Farmers Branch.
Your vote this November will help shape that future.
Metrocrest Legislative Priorities
The Legislative Priorities outlined below were developed by the Government Affairs Committee and approved by the board at the December 11th Board of Directors meeting. These will be shared with our elected officials at the City, State, and Federal levels.
