Message from Gov. Perry, Lt Gov. Dehurst, Speaker Craddick

Perry, Dewhurst and Craddick: Texas has economic edge 04:30 PM CST on Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Over the past several weeks, the news has been dominated by the worldwide financial crisis and the federal government's response, best described as wildly throwing borrowed money at problems, piling debt on top of debt.
In the midst of this turmoil stands Texas, a state with a remarkably durable economy that has led the nation in exports for six years, is home to more Fortune 500 companies than any other and created half the new jobs in the U.S. over a recent 12-month period.
Inquiring minds that want to know how we got here need look no further than the team approach we have taken to creating a fertile climate for economic development in Texas. When contemplating where to locate a company (and the jobs and investment that go with it), business owners are increasingly drawn to our state's low taxes, sensible regulatory climate and a legal system that protects them from frivolous lawsuits.
Imagine the financial situation our country would be in had the federal government applied the same principles that have made Texas the envy of the nation. America's current circumstances are not unlike those Texas faced in
2003 when we had to solve a $10 billion deficit. Rather than raise taxes or ask for a handout, we balanced the state budget the same way any family or business must: by bringing spending in line with income. Our common-sense solution was certainly unpopular in some quarters, but our willingness to choose the tougher course of action has clearly paid dividends with respect to our state's economic strength.
The unique spirit of teamwork among our three offices has extended through the years into other successful efforts, including overhauling our state's workers' compensation system, implementing innovative job creation vehicles like the Texas Enterprise Fund and investing in research and innovation through the Texas Emerging Technology Fund. In the months to come, we are committed to exploring the full range of options for funding our state's growing infrastructure needs. As teammates, we're not averse to butting heads, but we do so from a place of honest respect in the interest of improving the state we love so much.
The upcoming legislative session provides another opportunity to build on the foundations we established in past years and continue improving the quality of life in Texas. Surely, we face many challenges along the way, including unnecessary meddling by the federal government and costly mandates imposed by Congress. Our plan is to keep working together.
In the upcoming legislative session, we will remain focused on keeping the wheels of the Texas economy turning and Texans working. That includes greater efforts to ensure more deserving young people can afford college and that their education prepares them for an increasingly high-tech workplace.
We must also explore ways to further streamline our regulatory environment so we don't kill off companies already weakened by these tough times.
Our state's future economic viability also depends on our ability to provide Texas families, businesses, churches and schools the energy they need. We will strengthen our state's position as an energy leader with an all-of-the-above approach including nuclear, fossil fuels, wind, solar and more. These deliberate steps, shaped by careful planning, spirited debate and a shared passion for our state, will keep Texas moving forward.
We firmly believe our state's number one resource is Texans. Our job is to provide them an environment that encourages their success then get out of their way so they can do what Texans do best: work hard, take risks and create jobs. As leaders, but more importantly as Texans, we remain united in our efforts to maintain our economic edge and enhance the future prosperity of our great state.
Texas Gov. Rick Perry, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and Speaker of the House Tom Craddick co-authored this commentary.