Gov. Perry: We need to keep our state moving forward with 
PROVEN LEADERSHIP and TEXAS VALUES

Gov. Perry: We need to keep our state moving forward with 
PROVEN LEADERSHIP and TEXAS VALUES
Hosts “Talkin’ Texas” live webcast; introduces priorities to maintain Texas’ momentum

SAN ANTONIO – In an unprecedented use of social media, Gov. Rick Perry today hosted “Talkin’ Texas,” a live webcast event where he reiterated the state’s comparative economic strength to the rest of the nation and highlighted his priorities for Texas as he pursues re-election in 2010. The event was streamed live from the HOLT-Caterpillar facility in San Antonio where Texans from across the state logged in to watch the governor.

The live webcast reaches a new level of social media outreach implemented by Gov. Perry in his effort to connect with Texas voters. Utilizing networks like Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, LinkedIn and other online tools including personalized emails and videos, text messaging, and the Texans for Rick Perry website (www.RickPerry.org), Gov. Perry is working to get Texans engaged in conversation about important issues facing our state.

“As the national and global economies come apart at the seams, Texas is displaying a strength built on conservative fiscal discipline and a focus on job creation,” Gov. Perry said. “Texas is exerting a magnetic pull on jobs, investment and people who want to live freely. Because of the work we have done together, Texas is a safe harbor in this economic storm whose example can chart a course out of these tough times for the rest of the country.”

Gov. Perry touted Texas’ strong economic foundation which has made our state a leader in exports, job creation and Fortune 500 companies, and continues to draw thousands of jobs from companies like Medtronic, Toyota and Caterpillar while maintaining an unemployment rate 1.7 percent below the national average, the lowest rate among the 10 largest states.

While acknowledging the challenges Texans face during the economic recession, Gov. Perry emphasized the increasing need to fight shortsighted and financially unsustainable policies proposed by leaders in Washington.

“In a time when people are dealing with the loss of a paycheck, we must remain on guard against forces that would increase the cost of living,” Gov. Perry said. “Unfortunately, the biggest threats to Texas family budgets are taking shape in our nation’s capitol where the federal government’s spend-it-all, spend-it-now approach will be the death of our economy.

“The challenges facing Texas are real and they demand experienced, executive leadership. As a proud Texan, leading a state I love, in the midst of a global economic crisis, I am convinced we need to keep moving forward with Texas values and proven leadership.”

Gov. Perry today offered several new proposals to maintain Texas’ positive momentum including:

• A constitutional amendment requiring a two-thirds vote of the legislature to increase state taxes;
• Making permanent the recent tax cut extended to 40,000 small businesses in the last legislative session (under current law, the $1 million business margins tax exemption will expire in 2011);
• Imposing criminal penalties on employers who knowingly violate employment laws by hiring workers who are in Texas illegally; and
•Paving the way for ongoing job growth by purging unnecessary laws and regulations that stifle Texas entrepreneurs.

The governor also emphasized his ongoing commitment to maintaining a strong, diversified economy; equipping Texas children for the workforce through continued investment in education by upholding accountability in our schools, emphasizing core courses and continuing teacher incentive pay; and filling the gap left by the federal government’s failure to secure our international borders by applying technology and increased patrol resources to fight border crime and a rising tide of gang violence in Texas communities.

Gov. Perry added, “Let’s keep working together to sustain our state’s forward momentum, applying our time-tested Texas work ethic, our commitment to fiscal discipline and our belief in the individual. Together, we will lead our nation out of this tough spot and keep Texas strong.”

Concluding the event, Gov. Perry invited viewers to share their thoughts and questions regarding the issues facing Texas. Registered users at www.RickPerry.org may submit questions to Gov. Perry to keep the conversation going.

To view Gov. Perry’s remarks, visit http://rickperry.org/release/gov-perrys-talkin-texas-re...

To learn more about how Gov. Perry’s commitment to fiscally conservative values has achieved Texas’ strong economic foundation in spite of the national recession, visit http://rickperry.org/blog/texas-succeeding-0

To watch a video summarizing Texas’ recent accolades and positive rankings, visit http://rickperry.org/blog/deep-heart-texas

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