A large crowd turned out to see Lt. Governor David Dewhurst and Texas Governor Rick Perry being sworn in today.
Perry was sworn in for an unprecedented third four-year term. Perry primarily focused on budget challenges and the border during his inauguration speech. He did note the budget challenges for Texas are substantial but noted the budget should be balanced without raising taxes. He also stated, “the government will do more with less, and Texas will prove that fiscal responsibility, sound policy making and passion for individual liberty are essential to the success of employers, institutions and families.”
Below are the key highlights Dewhurst spoke on during his inauguration speech:
- Increase border personnel; secure borders
- Pass legislation to encourage job growth
- Protect integrity of elections by passing voter ID
- Work with universities and schools to improve the quality of education
- Continue to build world-class transportation systems
- Make healthcare more accessible and more affordable; lower costs by passing reforms that will lead the nation
- Balance budget without raising taxes
- Grow the Texas economy, not the Texas government
Dewhurst stated toward the end of his remarks, “For most of us Texans, the question is not what government can do for us, but what we can do if government doesn’t stand in our way.”
More detailed coverage and text to entire speeches can be found at the Texas Tribune online.