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IPFS News Link • Texas

Texas Signs 'Save Our Lemonade Stands Bill' as Governor Tips a Cold One on Twitter Video

• https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org

Young entrepreneurs all over Texas will no longer have to worry about their lemonade stands being shut down by Uncle Sam.

Earlier this week, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed HB 234, dubbed the "Save Our Lemonade Stands Bill," and posted a video of his approval to Twitter.

In a 27-second video that has since garnered extensive social and mainstream media attention, Governor Abbott is shown signing the bill into law, raising a glass of ice-cold lemonade and saying, "So kids – cheers!" As of today, Governor Abbott's Twitter video has garnered more than 36,000 likes and has been viewed more than 500,000 times not only for its message and its creative delivery, but also for what it signals for young kids who want to host lemonade stands and get a taste of "sweet success."

"Lemonade Day leaders throughout Texas are jubilant about the passage of HB 234," commented Steven Gordon, Lemonade Day National President. "The positive implications are huge for kids in Texas who want to engage in the powerful entrepreneurial lessons that hosting lemonade stands can deliver. Research by the venerable Gallup polling organization proves that kids in our Lemonade Day youth entrepreneurship program are more likely to start businesses as adults."

Gordon testified in support of the bill during the 86th Legislative Session along with Austin-based Lemonade Day entrepreneur Branson Burton.

8-year-old Burton captivated legislators as he spoke before the House committee in March and before the Senate committee last month. Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr. was so impressed by Burton's testimony that after the committee unanimously voted to approve the bill, he presented the gavel to Burton.

"I felt special being invited to give testimony and having lots of support near me. It was fun that the senators were videotaping me," Burton told Lemonade Day team members. "Receiving the engraved gavel means so much to me. It feels like a reward for my commitment and contribution. I was excited to help Lemonade Day and the legislators to help change the law so that Texas kids could set up lemonade stands at any time. I'm very proud to have been an important part of this bill."

Gordon added: "I am honored to have worked with Rep. Krause, Senator Nelson and their staff members who believe that kids should have the opportunity to start and run businesses without government restrictions or fees."

It's now legal for kids to sell lemonade at stands.

We had to pass a law because police shut down a kid's lemonade stand.

Thanks to ?@RepMattKrause?. #txlege #LEMONADE pic.twitter.com/xwfCob2nvV

— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) June 11, 2019


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