Texas Talks

Is the “Texas Miracle” still alive — and what does it take to keep Texas competitive in 2026 and beyond?

In this episode of Texas Talks, Megan Mauro, Interim President and CEO of the Texas Association of Business (TAB), joins Brad Swail to break down the state of the Texas economy. As the state chamber of commerce representing businesses of every size and industry, TAB sits at the center of Texas’ pro-growth policy debates.

Mauro explains how Texas maintains its reputation as a top business destination — from no personal or corporate income tax to regulatory consistency and recent property tax relief for small businesses. She discusses HB 9’s business personal property tax exemption increase, why consistency across Texas’ 254 counties matters, and how the Legislature is approaching affordability and housing challenges.

The conversation also dives into:

Why Texas is the 7th largest economy in the world

Attracting corporate headquarters while protecting small businesses

The importance of USMCA for Texas trade

Workforce alignment between industry and education

Childcare as a workforce issue

Why data centers and AI are both economic and national security priorities

Texas’ “all of the above and below” energy strategy

Mauro makes the case that a thriving business climate isn’t just about corporations — it’s about livelihoods, job creation, and ensuring Texas families can continue building the American dream.

As the 90th Texas Legislature approaches, this episode explores what policies will shape the next chapter of the Texas economy.

 

00:00 — Introduction and Megan Mauro’s background

01:12 — What the Texas Association of Business does

03:13 — Light regulation and pro-business principles

04:35 — The Texas Miracle and economic growth

06:29 — Why industry diversity matters in Texas

10:01 — Data centers, AI, and national security

14:53 — Tech policy and regulatory consistency

18:47 — Balancing legacy industries with innovation

21:01 — Property tax reform and small business relief

27:10 — Affordability and housing challenges

29:21 — Energy policy and grid reliability

30:59 — Advocacy in Washington and USMCA

34:45 — Workforce development and childcare solutions

38:37 — TAB Foundation and education initiatives

 

Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

In this episode, Kelly Hancock, Acting Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, breaks down what the Comptroller’s office actually does—and what the latest numbers say about the Texas economy. Hancock discusses revenue estimating, procurement, contracts, and why sales tax trends matter so much to the state budget. He also explains how Texas is tracking key indicators like manufacturing, construction, and the impact of major projects such as data centers, plus how the state is making more economic data accessible to the public through Texas Comptroller “TexStats.”

The conversation also covers the rollout of Texas Education Freedom Accounts (education savings accounts)—including registration numbers, program priorities, and the office’s focus on customer-service speed and transparency. Finally, Hancock addresses procurement policy changes tied to DEI-era frameworks, what “leveling the playing field” means in practice, and why he wants stronger auditing authority to protect taxpayer dollars.

 

Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

On this episode of Texas Talks, host Brad Swail sits down with Mandy Drogin of the Texas Public Policy Foundation to discuss Texas Education Freedom Accounts, school choice policy, and the evolving future of education in the state.
The conversation explores how education savings accounts (ESAs) work, why more than 100,000 families applied within days of launch, and the ongoing debate between supporters and critics. Topics include parental rights, funding models, homeschooling options, special-needs education, and the long-term impact of market-driven education reform in Texas.
Whether you’re a parent, policymaker, educator, or simply interested in Texas politics and public policy, this episode offers a detailed look at one of the biggest education reforms in the country.
👉 Listen as they break down how ESAs function, who qualifies, and what the program could mean for the future of students and schools across Texas.

Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

In this episode of Texas Talks, Brad Swail interviews Margaret Byfield, Executive Director of American Stewards of Liberty, to break down the growing controversy surrounding proposed transmission lines across Texas. The discussion explores property rights, eminent domain, data-center energy demand, grid reliability after Winter Storm Uri, and the debate between local dispatchable power and large-scale transmission infrastructure.
Byfield shares firsthand insight into how landowners could be affected by thousands of miles of new transmission corridors, the rising cost of electricity tied to infrastructure expansion, and the broader policy questions shaping Texas’ energy future.
Whether you’re interested in energy policy, land use, rural property rights, or the economics behind grid expansion, this conversation offers a detailed look at one of the most consequential infrastructure debates unfolding in Texas today.

Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

Brad Swail interviews Jaime Olin, interim executive director of the Texas Humane Legislation Network, about landmark animal welfare laws in Texas, enforcement challenges, and upcoming legislative priorities. They cover spay-neuter funding, roadside puppy sales bans, criminal negligence protections, ethical pet store reforms, and rural veterinary access. A must-listen for animal advocates, policy watchers, and Texans who care about humane treatment for all.

Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks