The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp by removing the crop and its derivatives from the definition of marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act. That not only set into motion a race to get more hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) products to consumers nationwide but also rampant confusion about their legality. Click here to read more.
Source: The Shelby Report
Texas Retailers Association say farewell to a great and valued colleague and member of TRA. As many of you know, Connie Yates with Albertson’s/Tom Thumb, officially retired from the company on September 6th, after over TWENTY-FIVE YEARS. Connie’s contributions to her company, the industry and TRA are too numerous to mention; simply put, she has been an institution within our industry throughout her career. There is more information about Connie and her career in TRA's September newsletter, which is only fitting, given what she has meant to TRA. Also, check out the Dallas Morning News Article about our beloved Connie Yates!
The 86th Legislature restored funding for retailer bonuses at an appropriation of $2.019 million for FY 2020. The Texas Lottery introduced a new bonus structure September 1, 2019, based on that appropriation. You can learn more here
Each year our members vote for the Retailer that has contributed more in the industry. We are proud to recognize these members, and thank them very much for pushing the industry forward with their contributions.
The 86th Session of the Texas Legislature officially concluded and was gaveled Sine Die, on Monday, May 27th. This was a different session than in the recent past because Representative Dennis Bonnen (R-Angleton) was the new Speaker of the Texas House. Additionally, the relationships between the big three, Governor Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Speaker Bonnen seemed to be in sync on key legislative issues from the beginning of session, which was a bit different than recent legislative sessions. As always, Texas Retailers Association (TRA) went to work on your behalf in the halls of the Capitol building playing both offense and defense on a variety of issues.
TRA fought very hard to pass good legislation and to kill bad bills that would have been detrimental to our members and industry. On balance, TRA had a good legislative session, getting key TRA priorities passed into law, playing effective defense on potentially harmful bills, and leaving a few key issues to continue to be worked on during the interim. Overall, 7,324 bills were filed during the 86th Texas Legislature and 1,429 of them were passed. TRA actively tracked over 550 bills and hundreds more amendments directly impacting the retail industry.
More than 3.5 million Texans will get their February SNAP benefits early because of the partial government shutdown.
The Texas Health and Human Services on Sunday announced that the February SNAP benefits will be issued early. The state said current SNAP recipients will get February benefits automatically loaded onto their Lone Star Cards by Jan. 20.
The State of Texas announced that February food benefits will be provided early to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients. This gives recipients more time to manage their resources during the government shutdown due to the uncertainty about future federal program funding.
SNAP Recipients will see funds on their Lone Star cards by January 20th. While SNAP recipients are encouraged to not make mass purchases and try to space their food purchases throughout the whole month of February, retailers should prepare for both cases. Roughly three and a half million people will be receiving their benefits early and retailers need to be prepared to accommodate mass crowds.
Dear Members of the Texas Legislature:
As the 86th session of the Texas Legislature convenes today, The Texas Retailers Association (TRA) congratulates each of you and extends best wishes for a successful session. Collectively, TRA represents more than 300,000 retail establishments and over 3.5 million jobs across the state. The association supports all levels of Texas retail including grocery stores, chains and single location small businesses.
