Company to Create 800 Jobs in Edinburg

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today announced the state will invest $1.65 million through the Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) in Santana Textiles to establish a denim manufacturing plant in Edinburg, creating 800 new jobs and $170 million in capital investment.

“Santana Textiles’ decision to open its first North American plant in Texas speaks volumes for our state’s attractive business climate and the incentive package we were able to provide through the Texas Enterprise Fund,” said Gov. Perry.

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today announced Mary Katherine Stout will serve as director of the Budget, Planning and Policy Division. Stout joins the governor’s office from the Texas Public Policy Foundation where she has served as vice president of policy and director for the Center for Health Care Policy.

"Mary Katherine Stout brings legislative and policy expertise rooted in sound fiscal conservative principles," said Gov. Perry. "Her work on a broad spectrum of policy issues at one of the leading conservative think tanks in the country provides her with a depth of knowledge that will be invaluable."

CORPUS CHRISTI – Gov. Rick Perry today thanked war veterans for answering the call of duty to protect America’s freedom and called for continued assistance of veterans’ rehabilitation programs.

"Throughout our nation’s history, each generation has stepped forward to accept the torch of freedom from those who preceded them and advance the cause of liberty to even greater heights," Gov. Perry said. "America is proud of the men and women in uniform who answer the call and uphold the sacred oath to defend freedom no matter the cost."

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Supreme Court ruling upholding Americans' 2nd Amendment right to bear arms:

"Texans have long held that it is a fundamental right of every law-abiding citizen to keep and bear arms. Affirmation from our country’s highest court should unquestionably cement this right for future generations of Texans and Americans."

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Jessica's Law:

"I believe the vast majority of Texans agree that the death sentence is the appropriate punishment for someone convicted of raping a child. While today's opinion does not directly address Texas law, we recognize that our state is guided by the decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court. That said, Texas will continue to seek the toughest punishment allowable for the predators who commit crimes of this nature, including the sentence of life without parole that is also permitted under our state’s version of Jessica’s Law.

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today issued the following statement on the death of Representative Buddy West:

"Texas lost a great public servant when Buddy West passed away today. As a dedicated champion for the people of West Texas, Buddy’s legacy will live on in the lives of those he touched through his tireless efforts to make Odessa, West Texas and the entire state of Texas a better place.

Promotes Texas as Prime Travel Destination in Festival’s Opening Ceremony

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Gov. Rick Perry today kicked-off the 42nd annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival, which showcases Texas as a travel destination. The Festival highlights the Lone Star State’s unique music, food and wine traditions.

“Perhaps more than any other state, Texas has a certain mystique, a sense of identity that people recognize and admire all over the world,” said Gov. Perry. “Texas is the land of Davy Crockett and Sam Houston, Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison, Michael Dell and Ross Perot. The list of Texans who have dreamed big dreams and done great things is growing as we speak.”

Industry Leaders Join in Urging EPA for 50 Percent Waiver for Grain-based Ethanol

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Gov. Rick Perry, joined by industry leaders across the country, today urged the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to grant a 50 percent waiver from its Renewable Fuel Standards (RFS) mandate for grain-based ethanol. Upon Gov. Perry’s initial waiver request in late April, the EPA granted a comment period to consider the appeal, which ended yesterday. A decision on the request is expected later this summer.

“While I have no doubt this mandate was a well-intentioned effort to move our country toward energy independence, it is doing more harm than good and must be modified before our livestock industry suffers permanent damage,” said Gov. Perry. “Granting this waiver will provide much needed relief to families, while enabling Texas to continue feeding and fueling the nation.”

Texas Gov. Rick Perry, supported by livestock producers concerned about rising feed prices, stepped up his effort Tuesday to pressure the federal government to cut ethanol production requirements in half.

WASHINGTON — Gov. Rick Perry stepped up his call Tuesday for a reduction in federal ethanol requirements, saying they are putting "artificial upward pressure on corn prices," choking the life out of the state's $75 billion livestock industry and increasing food prices for U.S. families.