Reiterates states commitment to strengthening economic foundation
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas Gov. Rick Perry today urged lawmakers to maintain the principles that have helped Texas economy lead the nation and to build upon previous improvements to the states legal system by further expanding lawsuit reform.
As the ripple effects of the recession began to reach Texas our sound policies helped us rebound quicker than other states and are now helping us lead the way to recovery" Gov. Perry said.
We must work together this session to strengthen the basic economic building blocks that have drawn new employers and jobs to our state to ensure Texas remains the best state to do business and raise a family."
Balancing the budget while strengthening Texas job-friendly climate based on low taxes predictable regulations a fair legal system and world-class workforce is a top priority for the governor and vital to the future of the state.
To keep Texas legal system accountable transparent and efficient and maintain Texas competitive economic position the governor noted the need to expand lawsuit reform in Texas by:
- Creating an early dismissal option for frivolous lawsuits;
- Ensuring victims of frivolous lawsuits do not bear the financial burden of defending themselves through the creation of a loser pays" system;
- Ensuring new laws cannot create causes of action unless expressly established by the Legislature; and
- Setting up expedited trials and limited discovery for lawsuits with claims between $10000 and $100000.
Gov. Perry also reiterated his call for legislators to use available state revenue and
thoroughly review all agencies and programs in order to balance the budget without raising taxes.
To ensure state agencies continue to use taxpayer dollars prudently the governor lieutenant governor and House speaker have already directed state agencies to identify savings of 5 percent in the 2010-2011 biennium an additional 2.5 percent for the 2011 fiscal year and 10 percent for the 2012-2013 biennium.
