Jul. 29, 2004

Gov. Rick Perry: Education, Job Growth Are Key to Texas� Future

CORPUS CHRISTI – Gov. Rick Perry today stressed in a speech to the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC) that education and a strong job climate are keys to the success of Hispanic Texans and the future prosperity of all Texans. Perry praised the men and women of TAMACC for their recognition of the importance of education.

“For nearly 30 years, the vision and priorities of TAMACC have extended far beyond traditional business issues with an uncommon commitment to the education and professional development of Hispanics throughout Texas,” Perry said. “Not only do you model success for young Hispanics, you are a model of true leadership for all Texans by investing in others so that they might share in your success and have the opportunity to achieve the American dream.”

Perry noted the commitment that the Texas legislature has made to public education. Over the past six years, Texas has increased public education funding by $7.1 billion, including an additional $1.2 billion last year when the state faced a record $10 billion budget shortfall. Perry also said that he has proposed an additional $100 million for bilingual education to help the more that 600,000 students in our schools who speak English as a second language.

“I believe the most important investment we can make in our future is to invest in education,” Perry said. “An educated Texan is an unlimited Texan. We must recognize that we have a purpose greater than our own prosperity, that an educated mind does more to enrich society than an increased profit margin, and that for Texas to prosper beyond our own time on earth we must seek to empower every Texan regardless of the neighborhood they come from or the sound of their last name.

Perry also spoke about the need for Texas to maintain a healthy and robust job climate so that that young Texans will have employment opportunities when they graduate from school.

“Preserving a robust job climate is one of our most important priorities,” said Perry. “And because our taxes are low, our schools are strong, and our workforce is skilled, Texas is on the leading edge of economic recovery. In fact, Texas has experienced nine straight months of job gains with 112,000 new net jobs since September of last year.”

In 2003, at Perry’s urging, the legislature created the $295 million Texas Enterprise Fund, which allows Texas to compete with other states for new jobs and economic expansion. Perry also noted that Texas has surpassed California as the largest exporting state in the nation, exporting more than $41 million.