Texas Lawmakers Highlight Work Ahead on Joint Employer

Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) and Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) welcomed convention attendees with an update on pro-franchising legislation.

By Kevin Serafino

A primary topic of discussion at #IFA2016 has been the franchise industry's response to attempts by U.S. federal regulators to impose a new definition of “joint employer” on the nation’s small business owners and upend the franchise business model. At the Opening General Session on Sunday, convention attendees were welcomed by two Texas lawmakers who have been champions for the franchise industry in Congress: Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) and Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas).

After an introduction by three San Antonio-based TWO MEN AND A TRUCK International franchise owners, Rep. Cuellar took the stage to applaud IFA members for their role in economic development and urge their continued involvement in advocacy to stop federal government agencies from overstepping their authority. “We cannot let small business owners lose control of their operations,” he said, adding that franchise owners “have to be involved” in urging Congress to set limits on the U.S. National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). In a pre-recorded video, Sen. Cornyn also welcomed attendees to Texas and spoke about lifting the regulatory burden placed on small businesses. Both Rep. Cuellar and Sen. Cornyn are co-sponsors of the Protecting Local Business Opportunity Act, legislation introduced in Congress last year to restore the traditional definition of “joint employer.”