7/31/2019 Texas Economic Miracle

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Texas, the Economic Miracle

The 2010 census was noteworthy in many respects, but one irrefutable fact stands above all the rest . . . people havebeen voting with their feet.

During the last decade more people moved to Texas than any other state in the nation. GTT- Gone to Texas hasonce again been the cry of citizens moving to the Lone Star State seeking to better their fortunes.

Its no secret that Texas is a great and very special state, but our economic fortunes havent always been soexceptional. Texas has experienced population booms in the past, but something seems to be different this time. Itssuch a time as this that we should examine why so many are moving to Texas. What makes our state so attractive topeople from all over the country?

Nathaniel Karp, chief economist at BBVA Compass, recently reported Texas average GDP growth was lower than31 other states from 1987 to 1995, and between 1997 and 2010 Texas GDP growth exceeded all but nine states.

When you examine the six most populous states besides Texas, our GDP growth was some 70% higher than their

average according to Karp, amazing change from the previous ten year period. Even more surprising, reports alsoindicate that Texas job growth exceeded the entire rest of the country in two of the last ten years.

I believe there are several reasons for the Texas Miracle.

The Republican Party began its steady march to dominance of state politics in 1994 with the election of George W.

Bush as Governor. Texas Republicans elected every statewide officeholder in the 1998 elections; and in 2002, thefirst election after the millennial re-districting session, Republicans gained a solid majority in both the Texas House

and Senate. During this period, businesses began to grow and prosper because Texas Republicans focused theirenergies on the fundamentals of conservative government.

Fiscal restraint - Per capita state spending in Texas remains among the lowest in the nation despite a tremendous

population growth. Over the last decade, Texas added more population than any other state. Our public education

system added 700,000 students and 300,000 students were added to our higher education system. There are 3,000,000

more cars on Texas highways than a decade ago. In 2007 our states per capita spending was the lowest (50TH

) of all50 states, and in 2009 the 47th lowest. The state budget for the current biennium cut 8.1% from all funds compared to

the previous budget, so theres no doubt that Texas will remain among the lowest of all 50 states. Texas IS proof that

business thrives in the absence of an oppressive tax structure.

Fair Court SystemOur states civil justice reforms are a model for the entire country. The Wall Street Journalreferred to these changes as, ten gallon tort reform. A fair court system allows for disputes between businesses andbetween consumers and business to be resolved in an equitable and timely manner. Texas IS proof that tort reform

means business can create and grow new opportunities.

Predictable regulatory environment - The Republican majority in Texas has eliminated unnecessary state agencies

through the Sunset process and reigned in capricious and arbitrary regulation by state agencies. Texas environmental

policy put in place since 1994 has resulted in the greatest gains in air and water quality of any state in the nation.

Texas regulations were recently upheld on appeal from an attack by President Obamas EPA. These Federal attacksalways seem to focus on process overaccomplished results. Texas IS proof that a sound regulatory system allows

businesses to prosper AND protects the environment in a cost effective manner.

Unfortunately, during this political season its easy to confuse and compare Austin to Washington. In fact, manycandidates for the Texas Legislature, and even some of our state-wide candidates have confused the two - either out of

ignorance or political expediency, I fear.

Collectively, these fundamental policy goals have resulted in a political and economic environment conducive to

individual liberty and business success. Its no wonder people are voting with their feet and moving to the Lone Star

State. Yes,Texas IS the model of Republican principlesa model our federal government and more stategovernments should follow.

State Senator Tommy Williams represents Senate District 4 covering all or portions of Jefferson, Chambers, Galveston, Harris and Montgomery Counties.

Williams serves as Chairman of the Senate Transportation and Homeland Security Committee. He is a member of the Senate Finance Committee and has

served three times as a conferee on the state budget. He is also a member of the Senate State Affairs Committee, the International Relations &TradeCommittee and the Senate Select Committee on Redistricting.

Senator Williams has been recognized by numerous organizations for his conservative leadership on fiscal matters and social issues. Most recently he

has been recognized for his leadership during the 82ndSession on Border & Homeland Security issues, Veterans Housing issues and Reducing our

Dependence on Foreign Oil. Please seewww.texansfortommy.com

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