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RedState: The Texas Budget Compact

Mon, 04/16/2012 - 9:51pm – manager

Posted by Erick Erickson (Diary)
Monday, April 16th at 9:51PM EDT

If Texas Democrats, or even Republicans for that matter, thought they’d have a quieter, gentler Rick Perry on their hands in the wake of his . . . um . . . temporary diversion into Presidential politics, they know better today.

In a speech Monday in Houston, Perry laid out five fundamental conservative principles for the Texas Legislature to follow, essentially throwing down the gauntlet to any legislator — or wanna-be legislator — who thinks they’ll be able to bring a tax and spend mindset to the Texas Capitol building.

Perry’s “Texas Budget Compact” is pretty much bedrock conservative fare: no higher taxes, stricter limits on spending, truth-in-budgeting, cutting of wasteful programs, and maintaining a healthy “Rainy Day” reserve fund. They’re basic enough that it’s hard to imagine any candidate running for office in the reddest state in the union can ignore them without having some serious explaining to do.

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Governor Perry's Remarks to the NRA Convention in St. Louis

Fri, 04/13/2012 - 4:46pm – manager

The following are Governor Rick Perry's remarks to the National Rifle Association's 141st annual meeting in St. Louis on April 13th.

I am proud to take this stage not only as avid supporter of the 2nd Amendment but a frequent practitioner.

Ever since the campaign ended, the coyotes have gone into hiding. And the Ruger Coyote Killer Special is selling so fast they had to suspend orders until they can address their backlog.

Let me address the elephant in the room my recent campaign for president. Being the Republican frontrunner was the best three hours of my life. I have come to grips with the outcome. The only lasting effect is I refuse to go on stage where there are multiple podiums. Officially, I've only suspended my campaign. I never really quit. So technically, I'm still in the race, except I can go home and relax and still do about as well.

But being governor in Texas is no consolation prize.

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Happy Easter

Sun, 04/08/2012 - 6:58am – GovernorPerry

“Hear the bells ringing, they’re singing that you can be born again.
Hear the bells ringing they’re singing Christ is risen from the dead.
The angel up on the tombstone said He has risen just as he said.
Quickly now, go tell his disciples that Jesus Christ is no longer dead.”

“Joy to the world, he is risen. Hallelujah.
He’s risen. Hallelujah.
He’s risen. Hallelujah, Hallelujah.”

-- “The Easter Song” by Keith Green

On this Easter, Anita and I want to wish you the joy of Christ. He is risen, and has conquered sin.

We can all be grateful for the gifts of God: a quiet sunrise, the gift of life, the love of family. But no gift is greater than God’s grace, poured out as an offering in remission of our sins.

We wish you a Happy Easter and to our Jewish friends a blessed Passover. May God bless you with abundance on this day.

Happy Easter,
Rick Perry

Obamacare: Nothing to Celebrate

Fri, 03/23/2012 - 3:19pm – manager

Two years ago today, President Obama signed into law his vision of health care reform, a far-ranging and ever-more-expensive collection of price fixing and individual mandates that will forever be known as Obamacare.

Now, according to tradition, cotton is known as the gift for a second anniversary. But what do you get a federal government that wants to control everything? Unfortunately, the answer is more of your hard earned tax dollars.

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Statement by Gov. Rick Perry on Justice Department Rejecting Texas’ Voter ID Law

Mon, 03/12/2012 - 7:21pm – manager

Gov. Rick Perry issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Department of Justice's (DOJ) decision not to preclear Texas' voter identification law:

"Texas has a responsibility to ensure elections are fair, beyond reproach and accurately reflect the will of voters. The DOJ has no valid reason for rejecting this important law, which requires nothing more extensive than the type of photo identification necessary to receive a library card or board an airplane. Their denial is yet another example of the Obama Administration's continuing and pervasive federal overreach."

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REAGAN: Reagan's vision lives on in Texas

June 25, 2011

The Reagan Report

Michael Reagan

If you don't believe Reaganomics can still work in this day and age, for whatever reason, I say you should look no further than the state of Texas.

Under the leadership of Gov. Rick Perry, Texas has championed and built upon the concepts my father used to rebuild America in the 1980s.

The results, again, are unassailable.

Over the decade between April 2001 and April 2011, more than 730,000 private-sector jobs were created in the Lone Star State. During that same stretch of time, the next-best state added just over 90,000 and the nation as a whole lost 2.2 million.

Rick Perry: A Texan’s ‘exceptionalism’

June 24, 2011

Washington Post

George F. Will

Between 2001 and last June, Texas — a right-to-work state that taxes neither personal income nor capital gains — added more jobs than the other 49 states combined. And since the recovery began two Junes ago, Texas has created 37 percent of America’s net new jobs.

Texas wins in U.S. economy shift

June 21, 2011

USA TODAY

Dennis Cauchon

Texas became the USA's second-largest economy during the past decade — displacing New York and perhaps heading one day toward challenging California — in one of the biggest economic shifts in the past half-century.

The dramatic realignment of the nation's economy was illustrated by North Carolina, Virginia and Georgia all overtaking one-time industrial powerhouse Michigan in economic size from 2000 to 2010. The economic winners of the last decade are states that focus on raw materials, government and senior citizens. The big losers are places that make things — industrial states and even California.

USA TODAY examined each state's gross domestic product to determine how the country's economic output has shifted within its borders. The data, recently released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis, reflect both population growth and income increases — in short, the economic weight of each state.

The Lone Star Jobs Surge

June 10th, 2011

Wall Street Journal

Richard Fisher, the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, dropped by our offices this week and relayed a remarkable fact: Some 37% of all net new American jobs since the recovery began were created in Texas. Mr. Fisher's study is a lesson in what works in economic policy—and it is worth pondering in the current 1.8% growth moment.

Using Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, Dallas Fed economists looked at state-by-state employment changes since June 2009, when the recession ended. Texas added 265,300 net jobs, out of the 722,200 nationwide, and by far outpaced every other state. New York was second with 98,200, Pennsylvania added 93,000, and it falls off from there. Nine states created fewer than 10,000 jobs, while Maine, Hawaii, Delaware and Wyoming created fewer than 1,000. Eighteen states have lost jobs since the recovery began.

Perry adds immigration issues to lawmakers' agenda

June 8th, 2011

Austin American-Statesman

Tim Eaton

Gov. Rick Perry told state legislators Tuesday to get to work on some immigration-related measures while they're in town for their overtime session.

Among them is a measure banning so-called sanctuary cities, which got House but not Senate approval in the regular five-month session that ended last week.

Texas Restaurant Association PAC Endorses Gov. Perry for Re-election

October 20, 2010

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today received the endorsement of the Texas Restaurant Association Political Action Committee (TRA PAC) for re-election in 2010.

“The Texas Restaurant Association Political Action Committee is proud to support Gov. Perry in his re-election bid,” said John Gessner, chair of the TRA PAC. “The governor has worked tirelessly to uphold the policies that create the type of business environment that allows job creation and economic strength. Texas continues to lead the nation in job creation, thanks to Gov. Perry’s efforts. As the largest private sector employer in the state with $35 billion in sales, the restaurant industry is a big part of the Texas economy and we have benefitted from Gov. Perry’s work.”

The Texas Restaurant Association was formed in 1937 to serve as an advocate and indispensable resource for the foodservice industry in Texas. Today, as a leading business association, TRA represents the state’s $35 billion restaurant industry, which is comprised of 50,000-plus locations and a workforce of more than one million employees. Along with the Texas Restaurant Association Education Foundation, the association represents, educates and promotes the growing industry.

“It is a great honor to receive the support of the Texas Restaurant Association PAC,” said Gov. Perry. “The restaurant industry plays an essential role in keeping our economy strong and is crucial to the success of our state’s thriving tourism industry. I will continue working to ensure the business climate in Texas remains friendly so that all businesses can grow and create jobs.”

Texans for Rick Perry Releases Spanish-Language Ads

October 19, 2010

"Working" and "Trust" available online at www.rickperry.org/espanol

Texans for Rick Perry has released new Spanish-language ads, "Working" and "Trust." These ads are available online at www.rickperry.org/espanol.

The scripts and sourcing materials for "Working" and "Trust" are available below.

Southwest Tow Operators Association Endorses Gov. Perry for Re-election

October 19, 2010

AUSTIN – Today Gov. Perry received the endorsement of the Southwest Tow Operators Association for the general election in November.

“I am happy to announce our endorsement of Gov. Perry for re-election,” said Dan Messina, president of the Southwest Tow Operators Association. “Gov. Perry has proven his commitment to protect and preserve the rights of small businesses across the state of Texas. His proven leadership and conservative values have helped maintain a good environment for small businesses statewide.”

The Southwest Tow Operators Association was formed in 2006 to unite towers in Texas and the southwest. They are the largest towing association in Texas and the nation, representing over 7,500 professional tow operators. They provide certification, training and education and professional knowledge or key components of the association. In Texas they are split up in seven different regions, each consisting of regional boards.

“It is an honor to receive the endorsement of the Southwest Tow Operators Association,” said Gov. Perry. “The men and women in the towing industry are an integral part of our state’s vitality and our drivers’ safety. Texans rely on the towing industry to keep our roads safe and our state moving in the right direction.”

Farouk Shami Endorses Gov. Perry for Re-election

October 18, 2010

BROWNSVILLE – Gov. Rick Perry today received the endorsement of Farouk Shami for re-election. Shami made his announcement during a campaign grassroots event at Cobblehead's in Brownsville.

“Gov. Perry has not only been true to the values that matter most to the people of Texas, he is also a conservative leader that has led our state in job creation and renewable energy,” said Farouk Shami. “As a former Democratic gubernatorial candidate, I believe jobs and the future for Texans is beyond partisanship. I am proud to endorse Gov. Perry for the general election. His proven track record of helping businesses grow and invest for a cleaner and stronger tomorrow is the reason why he is the best choice for Texas governor.”

Farouk Shami is the founder and chairman of Farouk Systems, a multinational corporation that manufactures the world-renowned brands BioSilk and CHI. As an entrepreneur and small business owner, Shami’s priorities are to uphold environmental responsibility, promote education and adhere to the highest ethical standards. He is also committed to partnering with factories all over the state in order to create more jobs for Texans. In the wake of hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Ike, Shami was instrumental in providing resources to support the needs of local shelters and communities affected by the disasters. Farouk has received numerous awards, including Entrepreneur of the Year and the Apollo Green Award in recognition of his decision to relocate Farouk Systems’ operations from China to the USA, which has brought 1,200 jobs back to our nation and to Texas.

“It is an honor to receive Farouk Shami’s endorsement of my re-election,” said Gov. Perry. “His entrepreneurship and dedication to Texas jobs and the environment is a profound example of what our state needs to continue leading the nation. Bringing 1,200 jobs back to our country and Texas shows a vote of confidence in the Texas economy and the work ethic of Texans. I look forward to working with Farouk so we can keep Texas the envy of the nation and continue creating jobs so that every Texan who wants one has one.”

Texas Building Owners and Managers Association Endorses Gov. Perry

October 15, 2009

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today received the endorsement of the Texas Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) for the general election.

“Gov. Perry has been a true advocate in fighting to maintain a vibrant economy that keeps the doors of opportunity open for all Texans to succeed,” said Lisa Hensley, president of Texas BOMA. “We are proud to endorse Gov. Perry and eagerly look forward to the accomplishments his leadership will continue to bring to Texas.”

Texas BOMA represents the interests of owners and managers of commercial real estate in the State of Texas. Texas BOMA is composed of more than 2,000 members statewide through its local federated associations located in Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio. Texas BOMA members manage 661 million square feet of commercial real estate in Texas and pay an estimated $1.6 billion in property taxes annually.

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Texas Building Owners and Managers Association,” said Gov. Perry. “Their work plays a crucial role in upholding our state’s friendly business climate, and I will continue fortifying the pillars that will keep our economy strong well into the future.”