By Shelley Kofler, KERA News
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Dallas, TX – In his fifth state-of-the-state address Tuesday, Governor Rick Perry called for limited spending while offering tax incentives to attract jobs. He asked for legislation guaranteed to anger some women and voting groups. And he proposed ways of helping young people pay for college. KERA's Shelley Kofler has more.
During a week where the headlines announced layoffs for thousands in Texas, the Governor repeated a theme he's used as he warms up for re-election. He said the Lone Star economy is stronger than most of the country because of low taxes and business-friendly regulations.
Perry: I credit our relatively strong economic condition to tough principled decisions made in this building over the past three legislative sessions. To restore job growth the Governor called for replenishing two funds he can tap to offer incentives for companies relocating to Texas. And he called for excusing more from the small business tax. Right now businesses with revenue of up to $300,000 are exempt. Perry would exempt those with up to $1 million in sales.
Perry: Our guiding priority must be shrinking not expanding the burden on the small businesses that are the backbone of our economy.
Perry helped stir a hornet's nest by confirming his support for Voter ID legislation. And reaffirmed his right-to-life credentials by backing a bill that would require women look at their ultrasound before having an abortion.
Perry: As we consider the growing threats to our nation's unborn, I believe it's time to add another layer of protection for the most vulnerable Texans.
The Governor also offered an incentive for North Texans and others breathing polluted air. He wants to provide $5,000 towards the purchase of a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle.
Perry: Rather than wait for more mandates and punishments for environmental non-attainment, let's continue encouraging innovation.
But it was, perhaps, on the higher education front that Texas' longest serving Governor offered the most specifics. He proposed freezing a student's college tuition for four years at the level paid as a freshman. He wants more money for Texas Grants, the low-income financial aid program that often has more applicants than money. Perry would extend in-state tuition to all veterans, and provide more job training through community colleges.
Perry: We must continue removing roadblocks for young Texans wanting to pursue higher education whether they enroll straight out of high school or choose to serve their country in the military first.
Perry didn't say how much his proposals would cost or what expenses he wants to trim. He said simply he supports a budget that would only grow to account for inflation and an increase in population.