Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas Governor Rick Perry delivered the 2011 Keynote Address at the Texas Association of Business (TAB) Annual Conference Thursday Awards Luncheon. Continuing his current theme Perry reiterated Texas commitment to prioritizing State spending in order to balance the state budget without raising taxes.
Perry also highlighted the importance of strengthening the principles that have propelled the states economy forward and positioned Texas as the leader in company relocations and job creation including pursuing stronger tort reform protections and a friendly regulatory environment.
Said Perry Employers know that in Texas they can find low taxes more predictable regulations a fair legal system and an accountable education system" and concluded In 2003 we strengthened these policies resisted pleas to raise taxes and remained true to fiscal discipline while addressing budget challenges similar to those we face today. As a result Texas has generated more jobs than any other state over the past 10 years and our sound policies have Texas rebounding quicker than other states during these tough times."
The sentiment was echoed by State Senator Tommy Williams the previous
day during his opening remarks of the two-day conference insisting Were not going to raise taxes."
The governor pressed the issue of strengthening tort reform and continuing to create a legal climate in which employers can thrive. He noted that reforms should include implementing a loser pays" policy so victims of frivolous lawsuits do not bear the financial burden of defending themselves.
Texas economy continues to receive national attention. Newsweek recently ranked four Texas cities in its list of 10 cities best situated for economic recovery and described Texas as the top destination for job-seeking Americans. The Wall Street Journal recently credited the states low taxes and employer-friendly environment with helping make Texas the job creation capital of the nation.
Texas is the envy of every other state in the union and its a strong pro-business climate that sets us apart" said Bill Hammond President and CEO of the Texas Association of Business
Williams also took Washington to task in his remarks noting that …among the biggest threats to the future of our state is the federal government."
The Obama Administration is making it up as they go along" Williams said.
Discussing the administrations handling of the oil industry in the Gulf Williams said Its not just a slap at Big Oil its a slap at everybody in the Gulf Coast region."
