December 20, 2019, Number 48

Download the full .pdf version here: TML Legislative Update 48

TML Endorses Passage:

New North American Trade Agreement

The Texas Municipal League has endorsed the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement and urged the members of the Texas congressional delegation to vote for its passage.

“The people who live and work and do business in every Texas city benefit from maintaining good trade relationships with Canada and Mexico, especially Mexico,” said TML President Eddie Daffern, Mayor of the City of Staples.

“Foreign trade is a significant part of the Texas economy. We export more goods to foreign countries than any other state by far. Whether it’s agricultural products, oil and gas or computer components, every community in Texas has a stake in promoting foreign trade,” Daffern said.

“Replacing the 25-year-old NAFTA agreement, which greatly benefited Texas, with the USMCA will maintain the stability and predictability that businesses need to make investments and create more jobs for Texans.”

In 2018, Texas exported $315 billion in goods to other countries which represented 19 percent of all U.S. exports. More than one-third, $110 billion, went to Mexico and $27.5 billion went to Canada, the state’s top two trading partners.

The Executive Committee of TML adopted a resolution this week urging the state’s senators and representatives in Congress to support the new trade agreement and pass the required legislation as soon as possible.

Disclaimer

TML member cities may use the material herein for any purpose. No other person or entity may reproduce, duplicate, or distribute any part of this document without the written authorization of the Texas Municipal League.