Texas GOP Moves Ahead With Voting Restriction Bills, Despite Criticism From Business Leaders

CBS Dallas/Fort Worth

May 5, 2021

Republican lawmakers in Texas and across the country are pressing ahead with efforts to tighten voting laws, despite warnings from business leaders that the measures could harm democracy and the economic climate.

More than 50 companies and business organizations, including some headquartered in the Lone Star State, released an open letter on May 4 expressing opposition to “any changes” that would make it harder to vote in that state. The letter — signed by American Airlines, Microsoft Corp., HP Inc., Patagonia, Levi Strauss & Co. and others — comes amid votes on legislation that critics say would place disproportionate burdens on minority and disabled voters.

“We believe the right to vote is sacred. When more people participate in our democratic process, we will all prosper,” the letter said. “The growth of free enterprise is directly related to the freedom of its citizens.”

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