Rick Perry in 2009 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Education:
Best teachers, accountability, math & science prep
Let's improve education in our state at every level to help them compete in any arena. To reach our goal of ensuring every student graduates from Texas high schools with a strong foundation in math, science and English, we owe them 3 things.-
They deserve the best teachers. Nothing matters more to student success than having an excellent teacher in every classroom. That is why we worked so hard to create the largest teacher incentive pay program in the country, one that will pay out more than
$147 million to teachers and staff by the end of this school year.
- We must hold our schools accountable for student performance. As you consider changes to the accountability system, make sure it keeps moving students along the path to graduating
"college & career ready" while keeping parents and taxpayers informed.
- Let's keep improving our math & science education, and continue preparing our young people, especially low-income & minority students, for a productive life after high school.
Source: 2009 State of the State Address
Jan 27, 2009
On Energy & Oil:
$5,000 incentive for Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles
When we combine lower utility taxes with increased, diversified production, we will preserve our role as the nation's energy leader. Unfortunately, our strength in petrochemical production and refining makes us a big target on the radar of an increasingly
activist EPA, whose one-size-fits-all approaches could severely harm our energy sector; an agency whose potential to harm our state with punitive actions will only increase in the months and years to come.Rather than wait for more mandates and
punishments for environmental non-attainment, let's continue encouraging innovation. I support giving Texans in the non-attainment areas of our state a $5,000 incentive towards a purchase of Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles, using the funds
Texans have already paid to reduce emissions, while providing a unique way to store wind energy. This will keep Texas competitive in an emerging technology and take advantage of an energy portfolio that grows deeper and more diverse every day.
Source: 2009 State of the State Address
Jan 27, 2009
On Government Reform:
Control spending to make government less burdensome
Every day, we hear more stories from across the country of jobs lost, plants closed, and homes on the auction block. As shockwaves of this crisis begin to resonate in Texas, we're reminded that we're not immune to these forces, yet we're still in better
shape than most other states.It was only six years ago when the 78th Legislature kicked off with a $10 billion budget shortfall.
To our shared credit, we didn't raise taxes like so many other states did then...and are again contemplating today.
Instead, we tightened our belt, made spending cuts where we could and focused on key priorities, never forgetting that it's not OUR money we spend here; it's the taxpayers'.
All across the country, states are hiking sales taxes, and begging
Washington DC for a bailout. Because we took a different approach back then, we know it's better to control spending to make government less burdensome, as a way to free up the economic power of our citizens.
Source: 2009 State of the State Address
Jan 27, 2009
On Immigration:
End the notion of sanctuary cities
As we continue to strengthen our border, we must also consider the essential role that federal immigration policy, or the lack thereof, plays in the safety of our citizens and integrity of our state. After revelations that a Dallas man had set up a
cottage industry procuring Texas driver licenses for illegal aliens hailing from countries around the world, I am an even stronger supporter of the DPS initiative to issue specialized, vertical driver licenses, to identify those who have overstayed their
visa.
I also support an end to the notion of sanctuary cities. Local government sends the wrong message when they pick and choose what laws they want their peace officers to enforce.
We should also track the citizenship status of those receiving
state-funded services so we can get our hands around the financial impact of Washington's failure to handle the immigration challenge. Some may oppose these efforts, but they are commonsense approaches to protecting our citizens' lives and resources.
Source: 2009 State of the State Address
Jan 27, 2009
On Jobs:
70% of all jobs created in the US last year were in Texas
From November 2007 to November 2008, roughly 70% of the jobs created in the US were in Texas. Think about that for a moment. Our state is home to one out of ten Americans, but seven out of ten new American jobs were created here in the Lone Star State.
Source: 2009 State of the State Address
Jan 27, 2009
On Tax Reform:
Give taxes dose of accountability, transparency & restraint
The Census Bureau tells us we're averaging 1,000 new Texans per day. As more people move here, will our economy continue to grow? Or will we let taxes and regulatory encroachments creep upward to choke off innovation?
I say we hold the line. Will they find their property taxes spiraling continually upwards because of a broken appraisal system? I say we give that system a dose of accountability, transparency and restraint.
Source: 2009 State of the State Address
Jan 27, 2009
Page last updated: Dec 02, 2018