From the Capitol

"The creation of this new university in South Texas is a historic moment for the future students who will fill the classrooms, proudly call this university their alma mater, and create a brighter future for themselves and their families. And through the creation of the new medical school, we continue our uncompromising commitment to improving access to care and keeping our growing population healthy."

Search & rescue teams to arrive early Tuesday morning

The images emerging from Oklahoma today are a terrifying reminder of how quickly the force of Mother Nature can devastate entire communities. Our hearts are heavy for all Americans who have been affected by the recent outbreak of storms across our country. State emergency assets in Texas will remain on alert and stand ready to help our neighbors any way we can.

Gov. Rick Perry today applauded both the Texas Tech University System and University of Houston System for approving a four-year fixed tuition rate for incoming freshmen:

I'm deeply saddened by the deaths caused by yesterday's horrific storms. The State Operations Center has been monitoring this situation since yesterday afternoon and continues to assist locals with any unmet needs they may have.

“This trial and verdict shed light on a detestable and gruesome industry that takes the lives of hundreds of thousands of babies every year in communities across our nation. Those of us who believe in the sanctity of life will continue to fight for the day when abortion is nothing more than a sad footnote in American history.”

Texas has taken the top spot in another of Site Selection Magazine’s annual rankings – this time in the magazine’s ranking of the most competitive states in 2012. Earlier this year, Texas was awarded Site Selection’s 2012 Governor’s Cup for the most new and expanded corporate facilities announced over the year.

Gov. Rick Perry today reaffirmed Texas’ commitment to promoting freedom, personal responsibility and the Constitution, including the rights of law-abiding gun owners. The governor spoke at the National Rifle Association (NRA) Leadership Forum at the 2013 NRA Annual Meeting