By Lee Roberts

Executive Director

Click Here to see video clip of Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer's comments

SAN ANTONIO – Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer briefed members of the Texas Independent Automotive Association tonight on the outcome of the legislative session during a local chapter meeting here at Water Street Oyster Bar.

Texas Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer (Right) and TIAA Alamo Chapter President Wayne Van Den Berghe stand together at the end of the representative's comments to the group. Photo by Lee Roberts

Fischer, a democrat from District 116, said the most notable legislation supporting small businesses during the 2009 session that ended in May resulted in an increase in the margins tax, going from a $300,000 to $1 million threshold. 

“So if you are a taxable entity – corporation, partnership… you name it – you now have a threshold where your tax responsibility does not begin until after your first million,” he stressed. 

That’s the good news, he added.  “The bad news… it expires in 2011.”

Martinez Fischer said that the 40,000 small businesses across the state that benefit from this exemption, like hundreds of TIAA automotive and collision repair shop owners, should get involved in the legislative process, influence legislators, and make the legislation permanent.

The representative said it’s important to be involved in associations like TIAA that represent small business owners when it comes to legislative issues.  But it’s still very important and effective when individual business owners become advocates and make their voices heard with their local representative.  He suggested that business owners let legislators know how the tax exemptions positively affect business.  And let them know how the increased margins tax may have resulted in additional employment opportunities, raises and benefits, he explained.

Another good thing he said about the legislative session that just ended was that legislation passed was good for Texans because everyone got a little something because of a $9 billion “rainy day” fund that was utilized to pay for things such as education and teacher pay.  The bad news is that sales tax receipts so far in 2009 indicate a possible budget shortfall next year, he said.

He talked about growing up in San Antonio and shared that as the son of a car salesman, he learned many of life’s lessons being around the automotive business, including the importance of car repair.

“So I know how important your job and your business are and what kind of service you do for the state,” he said.

(Editor’s Note: Martinez Fischer is in his fifth term in the Texas House of Representatives. He is the vice chairman of the Insurance Committee and also serves on Natural Resources and Local and Consent Calendars Committee.  He is the Chairman of the Mexican American Legislative Caucus, the largest Latino Caucus in the Country. He has authored and passed legislation pertaining to predatory lending, Child Protective Services, and ethics. He is also known for his tough stance on crime passing legislation criminalizing street racing and enhancing punishment for crimes committed against the elderly. He is a practicing attorney in San Antonio and is married to San Antonio attorney Elizabeth Provencio.)