Texas Association of Manufacturers Endorses Gov. Perry for Re-election

FORT WORTH – Gov. Rick Perry today joined members of the Texas Association of Manufacturers at the Justin’s Boots distribution center in Fort Worth to accept their endorsement for his re-election in the 2010 general election.

“Earning the endorsement of Texas manufacturers is a true honor when you consider the crucial contribution they make to our state,” said Gov. Perry. “They are the driving force behind our ranking as the nation’s top exporting state for the last eight years, responsible for 95 percent of these exports, and I look forward to working with them to ensure we maintain our economic momentum well into the future.”

In his remarks, Gov. Perry highlighted the strength of the Texas manufacturing center and its important contribution to our state’s strong economy, which continues to create jobs, even in the midst of the challenging national economy. Texas is one of only five states to add manufacturing jobs in each of the first six months of 2010, while the state collectively added more than 168,000 new jobs since the beginning of this year, more than any other state. More than 800,000 Texans are employed in manufacturing making the highest average wages of any Texas industry sector.

The governor also spoke against the misguided policies of Washington, which seek to overturn our clean air program, despite the fact that it has made Texas a national leader in cleaning the air, putting thousands of jobs in our state at risk. Since 2000, Texas has reduced ozone levels by 22 percent and NOx gas emissions by 53 percent, without imposing burdensome mandates or taxes.

“Unfortunately, our state, our employers and our citizens remain in Washington’s crosshairs as the Obama administration seemingly spends time brainstorming new ways to undermine our success,” said Gov. Perry. "Have they thought for a moment of the jobs that will be affected by their overreaching? In my mind, it goes back to Washington wanting to be the be-all, end-all answer to every question, whether or not anyone has asked it. Thankfully Texas, with our emphasis on personal freedom and responsibility, remains the place where people can pursue their dreams and really make something of their lives.”

"Texas has no stronger advocate for economic development and job creation than Gov. Perry," said Warren Mayberry, chairman of the Texas Association of Manufacturers Action Committee. "His efforts to create a friendly business climate have allowed Texas manufacturers to thrive, creating the jobs Texans need to succeed and maintaining our state's position as the number one exporter in the nation for the eighth year in a row. We are proud to endorse Gov. Perry's re-election and look forward to working with him to ensure Texas remains at the forefront of the global economy.”

TAM represents more than 400 large and small companies from every manufacturing sector, employing more than 940,000 Texans with an average compensation of $79,000 a year (the highest in the private sector). Texas manufacturers contribute $158.8 billion in 2009 to the Texas economy and one-third of all corporate taxes collected by state and local governments. Manufactured goods account for 93 percent of all Texas exports and Texas has held the distinction as the number one exporting state in the U.S. for eight consecutive years.

The Texas Association of Manufacturers joins the following organizations in their endorsement of Gov. Perry in the general election:

Associated Builders and Contractors of Texas PAC
Associated General Contractors of America Texas Building Branch PAC
Associated Security Services and Investigators of the State of Texas
Automotive Parts and Services Association
BEEF-PAC of Texas Cattle Feeders Association
Boating Trades Association of Texas PAC
Career Colleges and Schools of Texas
“C” Club of Houston
Exotic Wildlife Association
Independent Bankers Association of Texas
Recreational Fishing Alliance
Outdoor Advertising Association of Texas
Pasadena Police Officer’s Union
Sheriff Arvin West, Hudspeth County
Sheriff Clint McDonald, Terrell County
Sheriff Danny Dominguez, Presidio County
Sheriff Eusevio Salinas, Zavala County
Sheriff Rene Fuentes, Starr County
Sheriff Rick McIvor, Jeff Davis County
Sheriff Ronny Dodson, Brewster County
Sheriff Sigifredo Gonzalez Jr., Zapata County
Sheriff Thomas Herrera, Maverick County
Southwest Movers Association
Texans for Fiscal Responsibility
Texas Aggregates and Concrete Association
Texas Alliance for Life PAC
Texas Allied Poultry Association
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association PAC
Texas Apartment Association
Texas Association for Interior Design
Texas Association of Business BACPAC
Texas Association of Dairymen PAC
Texas Association of Licensed Investigators
Texas Association of Realtors ®
Texas Beverage Association
Texas Broiler Council
Texas Burglar and Fire Alarm Association
Texas Chapter of the American College of Cardiology Heart PAC
Texas Chiropractic Association
Texas Department of Public Safety Officers Association PAC
Texas Economic Development Council PAC
Texas Egg Council
Texas Forestry Association Forestry PAC
Texas Home School Coalition PAC
Texas Locksmiths Association
Texas Medical Association TEXPAC
Texas Medical Defense PAC
Texas Municipal Police Association
Texas Nursery and Landscape Association PAC
Texas Ophthalmological Association
Texas Optometric Association PAC
Texas Organization of Residential Care Homes
Texas Pest Control Association
Texas Pharmacy Association PharmPAC
Texas Pharmacy Business Council
Texas Podiatric Medical Association
Texas Poultry Federation
Texas Poultry Improvement Association
Texas Process Servers Association
Texas Quarter Horse Association
Texas Recreational Fishing Alliance
Texas Recreational Vehicle Association
Texas Retailers Association PAC
Texas Right to Life PAC
Texas Society of Anesthesiologists PAC
Texas Society of Professional Engineers
Texas Travel Industry Association
Texas Turkey Federation
Texas Wildlife Association
Wholesale Beer Distributors of Texas PAC