From the Capitol

Gov. Rick Perry today issued the following statement on the ongoing conflict in Gaza:

“Hamas must cease its attacks on Israel. No other nation on earth would be expected to stand idly by while a neighbor fired missiles and mortars into its cities, but Israel is being held to an unreasonable, irresponsible standard of restraint. Instead, the world community should be united in its support of Israel’s right to defend its citizens and clear in its condemnation of Hamas.

Gov. Rick Perry today announced his support of House Bill 109, which would create a Choose Life specialty license plate to raise funds to assist pregnant women who are considering adoption as an alternative to abortion for their unborn children.

Gov. Rick Perry, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and Speaker Tom Craddick today announced that Caterpillar Inc., a Fortune 50 company, will move one of its primary global assembly, test & paint facilities to Texas, creating more than 1,400 jobs. The state will invest $10 million through the Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) in the company as a deal-closing incentive for the consolidation and movement of its manufacturing and testing facilities to Seguin, which will generate $169.7 million in capital investment. The project is the second largest in terms of job creation and investment this biennium. Texas was in competition with South Carolina and Mexico for this facility.

Gov. Rick Perry today met with leaders of key trade associations and labor unions to hear first-hand how the current national economic situation is impacting Texas’ industries and workers. This is the fourth meeting Gov. Perry has held with industry and state leaders to discuss the future of the Texas economy.