“Government is not the only pressure . I have landlords, I have two franchisors, I have inflation, I’ve got mandates, as I run my business, that are outside the influences of government,” Fullerton said.
“So, when we look at the government mandates coming from a variety of different directions, often it feels like they come out of left field,” she added. The bill has received support from a coalition called the Alliance for Securing and Strengthening the Economy in Texas, which includes the National Federation of Independent Business and 18 Texas business groups in various industries.
However, those opposing the bill say it undercuts local democracy and prevents cities and counties from protecting workers and providing better working conditions. Labor groups say it sets a bad precedent for cities and counties’ ability to have local control. “It’s my understanding cities are not losing their authority, or that this bill is usurping that,” Fullerton said. “This is just to clarify that they’re doing things and recommending things that were never in their purview to begin with.”