Watchdog Wire - Gov. Perry: America Should Take Economic Cues From Texas
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By Karen Townsend
Yesterday, Texas Governor Rick Perry spoke at The New York Meeting. His topic was "Red State Solutions to Blue State Problems."
Governor Perry began by asking the question, "How do we make America work again?" He said we must look to the state level. Governors compete with each other, and states have the opportunity to compete with other states as well.
Winning Texas Formula
He pointed out that since 2000, 37% of all new jobs in the private sector have been created in Texas. One out of twelve Americans live in Texas. Three out of eight jobs have been created in Texas. He credits the success in Texas to continuity of leadership, the light tax burden, a legal system that will not allow over-suing, and holding schools accountable. He said this gives people confidence that there will be security and stability in the state.
This formula is the key to success for the rest of the country. He said the goal is to make D.C. as inconsequential as possible -- let states make policy to govern.
When asked why he focuses on economic issues and not social issues in his speeches, he said "Even those social issues that tear us apart need to be decided on in the states."
The five speakers on Monday were William Kristol, Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Former Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour, Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA), and Governor Perry.
From the website: The New York Meeting is a nationally-recognized gathering of elected officials, journalists, business leaders and conservative authors in New York City at The Grand Hyatt, run by Mallory Factor and O'Brien Murray. The New York Meeting identifies leaders and generates ideas for the future of our nation and gets to the core of the most important issues facing the nation. This monthly hour and half meeting consists of five 15 minute segments with America's leaders--Senators, Governors, Congressman, newsmakers, journalists and celebrated authors. Each speaker addresses the meeting and then, answer questions from a panel of noted journalists and the invited audience.
Preceding Governor Perry was Texas Congressman Roger Williams, (R-TX25) who will soon roll out "Jump Start America". Included in this plan is a 30% flat tax on businesses; 20% flat tax on the first million dollars earned by taxpayers; 30% on the 2nd million; and a 15% capital gains tax. He said that growing small business is the answer to a sluggish economy. A common talking point from each of the speakers was that the upcoming 2014 elections are even more important than 2016. Encouraging citizen involvement, he said, "Get off the porch and lead the parade down Main Street."
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