“I want to emphasize something about some issues I will focus on as your next governor. I want to assure you that I will continue the policies that attract jobs, that promote opportunity, that reward ingenuity. Texas is different. Texas is better than states like California because we have a different way of governing. We believe in less government. We believe in low taxes. We believe in regulations that are smart, reasonable, and predictable, so that businesses understand how to make a profit. And we will continue the Right to Work laws that have helped Texas avoid some of the union abuses that you see in other places like California, Chicago, Detroit, etc. My focus also, though, will ensure that we are prepared to deal with some of the looming challenges that we see in the coming decade. Those include obvious issues like roads, water, and education. We understand the dire need for water resources in the shale areas like the Permian Basin and Eagle Ford shale, as well as some of the other places across the state of Texas.”
“Our oil and gas industry in Texas is key to American energy independence. The industry generates billions of dollars in revenue and creates good jobs for thousands of Texans. It is imperative to maintain an economic and regulatory environment in Texas that will help employers in this critical industry continue to grow, create jobs and increase prosperity for future generations. This is not only critical for Texas’ future; it impacts the entire United States.” stated General Abbott.
General Abbott continued, “Texas is the number one job creator in the nation, thanks in part to the oil and gas industry. As governor, I will make Texas number one in in education. My plan will focus on restoring local control and empowering parents, teachers and principals, rather than imposing meaningless tests, regulations and mandates. Our students must be career or college ready. We will continue to partner with the business community and place a strong emphasis on degrees and certification programs that qualify young adults for opportunities in this dynamic industry.”
To handle some of the challenges that some of our communities in the shale areas are having like increased road usage & expansions, General Abbott replied, “Texas is adding more than 1,000 people a day to roads that are already too crowded and inadequately maintained. My transportation plan expands resources for roads without creating new debt or raising taxes or fees. We need to stop taking resources from our highway fund to pay for other government agencies – funds dedicated to roads should be spent on roads. Additionally, part of the motor vehicle sales and use tax should be spent on improving our roads.”
In the oil & gas industry, we hear about safety everyday, when Ms. Larivey asked about the safety and balance in regulations and environmental concerns, General Abbott replied, “Balancing safety and environmental concerns with economic interests is not an either-or proposition – economic growth can and should go hand-in-hand with
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