Episode 101 – Fairness for Small Biz: The Fight for HB 2428 in TexasLatino Business Report Welcome to the show! In this episode, we’re diving into a critical conversation unfolding right here in Texas—one that could reshape how small businesses across the state operate and survive. We’re joined by two powerhouse guests: 🔹 Eddie Lucio III – Former State Representative who served eight terms representing House District 38. During his time in the Legislature, he chaired key committees and led impactful work on education, healthcare, water security, and consumer protections. Now, he’s a practicing attorney, public affairs expert, and small business owner. 🔹 Corey Ticknor – A seasoned government relations professional with over a decade of experience in Texas politics. From his early days as a senior legislative staffer to his current role as a lobbyist and policy strategist, Corey has helped pass over 100 bills across a wide range of issues, from broadband to public safety. At the heart of this conversation is House Bill 2428 – The Fair Business Reimbursement Act, led by the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC) and a strong coalition of business organizations. For years, small and minority-owned businesses in Texas have shouldered the burden of being unpaid tax collectors—swallowing rising credit card fees that eat into already razor-thin margins. HB 2428 is a push for fairness, not tax cuts. It’s about modernizing the system and ensuring small businesses can continue to compete and thrive. In this episode: What exactly is HB 2428—and why is it gaining momentum now? The hidden cost of swipe fees on small businesses Who’s supporting the bill—and who’s standing in the way What’s at stake for the future of doing business in Texas 🎧 Stick around as we unpack the bill, the movement behind it, and why this moment matters more than ever for entrepreneurs across the state.