Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan today announced that former Governor Rick Perry will join his team as a senior advisor in a voluntary capacity, effective immediately. Phelan said in a statement released earlier today, that Perry “will be a tremendous asset as we work to strengthen our state’s economy, improve education and ensure every member’s voice is heard in the Texas House this session.” The statement continued and included a response from Perry, “I’m honored to have the opportunity to support Speaker Phelan and the Texas House at such a pivotal time in our state’s history,” said Governor Perry. “The Texas House is not only where I began my career in public service, it’s a bedrock of balanced governance in our state giving every voice, from the most rural to the most urban, a chance to be heard. I look forward to working with the Speaker, his team and all House members to strengthen the institution and build on its proud legacy of leadership, innovation and conservative results. Together, we will keep Texas on the path of success for future generations.”