Office of the Governor Rick Perry - 82nd Legislative Session

Texas' 82nd Legislative Session

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Friday, January 13, 2012 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Statement by Gov. Rick Perry on Federal Appeals Court Ruling to Allow Immediate Enforcement of Sonogram Law
The sooner we start providing sonograms to those considering abortions, the more lives we can save. - Gov. Perry said.
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Tuesday, January 10, 2012 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Statement by Gov. Rick Perry on Federal Appeals Court Overturning Injunction of Sonogram Law
Today's ruling is a victory for all who stand in defense of life. Every life lost to abortion is a tragedy, and this important sonogram legislation ensures that every Texas woman seeking an abortion has all the facts about the life she is carrying, and understands the devastating impact of such a life-ending decision.
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Wednesday, August 31, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Gov. Perry: New Laws Further Strengthen Texas’ Robust Economy
Gov. Rick Perry highlighted important legislation, passed during the 82nd Legislative Session that takes effect September 1, including a balanced budget that doesn't raise taxes, and key measures that protect the lives of the unborn and strengthen the state's legal climate, private property rights, and penalties for those convicted of human trafficking.
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Tuesday, August 30, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Statement by Gov. Rick Perry on Injunction of Sonogram Law
Every life lost to abortion is a tragedy and today's ruling is a great disappointment to all Texans who stand in defense of life. This important sonogram legislation ensures that every Texas woman seeking an abortion has all the facts about the life she is carrying, and understands the devastating impact of such a life-changing decision.
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Tuesday, July 26, 2011 • Amarillo, Texas • Press Release
Gov. Perry: Our Budget Positions Texas for Continued Job Creation and Prosperity
Gov. Rick Perry today ceremonially signed House Bill 1 from the 82nd Regular Session and Senate Bill 2 from the special session, which provide a balanced budget for the 2012-13 biennium without raising taxes, allocating more than half of state funds to education, and preserving $6 billion in the state's Rainy Day Fund. Provisions in the budget also extend to 2014 the small business tax exemption that was passed in 2009, a measure that Gov. Perry fought to continue and that will keep taxes low for thousands of small businesses across the state. The governor was joined by Rep. Jim Pitts, Rep. John Smithee, Americans for Prosperity-Texas Director Peggy Venable and Liberty Institute President and CEO Kelly Shackelford.
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Thursday, July 21, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
T-STEM Challenge Scholarship Receives $25 Million Donation from Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation
Gov. Rick Perry praised the Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation for their donation of $25 million to the T-STEM Challenge Scholarship. The scholarship program was created by House Bill 2910, by Rep. Dan Branch and Sen. Judith Zaffirini, to help students pursuing degrees and certificates in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields receive the education necessary to compete in the global workforce.
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Tuesday, July 19, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Legislative Accomplishments Keep Texas on Path to Prosperity
Gov. Rick Perry today signed Senate Bill 1 and Senate Bill 2, passed during the special session of the 82nd Legislature, which finalize a balanced budget for the 2012-13 biennium without raising taxes, allocating more than half of state funds to education and preserving $6 billion in the state's Rainy Day Fund. The governor has also signed legislation that reforms the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA), enacts new congressional districts and Senate Bill 7, which will help contain costs in the Medicaid program and improve quality and efficiency in health care. Gov. Perry signed all eight bills that lawmakers sent to his desk during the special session.
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Monday, July 18, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Gov. Perry: SB 7 Gives Texas Flexibility to Develop Our Own Solutions
Gov. Rick Perry ceremonially signed Senate Bill 7, which will help contain costs in the Medicaid program and improve quality and efficiency in health care. The governor was joined by Sen. Jane Nelson and Rep. John Zerwas at the signing ceremony.
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Friday, July 15, 2011 • Denton, Texas • Press Release
Gov. Perry: Texas Continues to Lead the Nation in Energy Production
Gov. Rick Perry ceremonially signed House Bill 3328 and Senate Bills 20 and 527, which will increase transparency in energy production and enable Texas to remain the nation's energy leader. The governor was joined by Reps. Jim Keffer, Tan Parker and others for the signing ceremony.
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Thursday, July 14, 2011 • San Antonio, Texas • Press Release
Gov. Perry: Veterans’ Experiences, Skills are Valuable to Our Workforce
Gov. Rick Perry today ceremonially signed Senate Bill 1736, which establishes the College Credit for Heroes program. The governor was joined by Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, veterans and others for the signing ceremony.
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Wednesday, June 29, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Statement by Gov. Rick Perry on End of 2011 Legislative Session
I'm proud of Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, Speaker Joe Straus and lawmakers' principled leadership to pass a balanced budget that doesn't raise taxes and preserves billions unspent in our Rainy Day Fund, leaving our state on firm fiscal footing for the future. The decisions made were difficult, but lawmakers should take pride in the fact that they did what families all across Texas are doing: living within their means. I'm also proud we passed legislation that effectively reforms the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, addresses necessary health care efficiencies and completes congressional redistricting.
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Tuesday, June 28, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Statement by Gov. Rick Perry Regarding Sanctuary City Legislation
As the special session appears to be winding down, I am disappointed the Legislature did not address sanctuary cities. Working with legislative leaders last weekend, we worked to include sanctuary city legislation in Senate Bill 1.
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Thursday, June 23, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Statement by Gov. Rick Perry Regarding TSA Policy Change
TSA's policy change is a step in the right direction to regain the trust of American families. Texas will continue seeking more common-sense approaches to TSA security measures, and I look forward to working with lawmakers on related legislation that will accomplish these goals.
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Thursday, June 23, 2011 • San Antonio, Texas • Press Release
Gov. Perry: Employers Continue to Look to Texas as the Best State to Do Business
Gov. Rick Perry ceremonially signed House Bill 3727, which relates to the appraisal of aircraft temporarily under production in Texas. The governor was joined by Reps. Harvey Hilderbran and Trey Martinez Fischer, Sen. Carlos Uresti and others for the signing ceremony at Boeing's plant in San Antonio.
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Wednesday, June 22, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Statement by Gov. Rick Perry Regarding TWIA Bill
There is still work to be done on this issue, and we must pass legislation to adequately compensate TWIA policy holders without enriching trial lawyers or further undermining TWIA's financial stability.
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Monday, June 20, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Gov. Perry Adds Legislation to Special Session Call Related to Security Procedures
AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today announced the addition of legislation to the special session relating to the prosecution and punishment for the offense of official oppression on those seeking access to public buildings and transportation.
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Friday, June 17, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Gov. Perry Announces Final Decisions on Legislation
Gov. Rick Perry announced his final decisions on major legislation passed during the 82nd Regular Legislative Session, including the veto of certain bills in order to protect ethics and public safety, and to limit government intrusion into Texans' lives. The governor also thanked lawmakers for their continued work during the current special session to move Texas toward a final budget that is balanced, doesn't raise taxes, lives within the state's means, and does not use the state's Rainy Day Fund in the next budget cycle.
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Friday, June 17, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
Gov. Perry Vetoes SB 1035
Relating to motor vehicle title services; providing penalties. Author: Williams | Sponsor: Harless
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Friday, June 17, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
Gov. Perry Vetoes SB 1807
Relating to the composition of the 444th Judicial District. Author: Lucio | Sponsor: Lozano
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Friday, June 17, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
Gov. Perry Vetoes SB 40
Relating to the functions of the Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation. Author: Zaffirini | Sponsor: Callegari
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Friday, June 17, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
Gov. Perry Vetoes SB 167
Relating to the automatic expunction of arrest records and files after an individual receives a pardon or a grant of certain other relief with respect to the offense for which the individual was arrested. Author: West | Sponsor: Veasey, Gallego, Aliseda, Rodriguez, Eddie, Davis, Yvonne
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Friday, June 17, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
Gov. Perry Vetoes SB 191
Relating to disposition of a contested case by the Texas Medical Board. Author: Nelson | Sponsor: Susan King
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Friday, June 17, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
Gov. Perry Vetoes HB 2327
Relating to the establishment and operation of a motor-bus-only lane pilot program in certain counties. Author: McClendon | Sponsor: Wentworth
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Friday, June 17, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
Gov. Perry Vetoes SB 408
Relating to inspection of and the operation of watercrafts on the John Graves Scenic Riverway. Author: Estes | Sponsor: Keffer
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Friday, June 17, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
Gov. Perry Vetoes SB 978
Relating to procedures for the dissolution of the Hidalgo County Water Improvement District No. 3. Author: Hinojosa | Sponsor: Veronica Gonzales
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Friday, June 17, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
Gov. Perry Vetoes HB 2972
Relating to the municipal sales and use tax for street maintenance. Author: Todd Smith | Sponsor: Wentworth
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Friday, June 17, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
Gov. Perry Vetoes HB 2996
Relating to the creation of the Texas Urban Agricultural Innovation Authority. Author: Miles | Sponsor: Estes
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Friday, June 17, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
Gov. Perry Vetoes HB 242
Relating to the enforcement of public safety, including the privileges and duties of certain types of law enforcement officers. Author: Craddick, Torres, Martinez Fischer | Sponsor: Hegar
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Friday, June 17, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
Gov. Perry Vetoes HB 335
Relating to implementation and requirements of certain health care reform laws. Author: Shelton, Kolkhorst, Schwertner, Zerwas, Creighton | Sponsor: Birdwell
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Friday, June 17, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
Gov. Perry Vetoes HB 2997
Relating to the creation and funding of the urban farming pilot program and the creation of the Select Committee on Urban Farming. Author: Miles | Sponsor: Estes
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Friday, June 17, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
Gov. Perry Vetoes HB 397
Relating to the creation of the Bureau for Economic Development of the Border Region. Author: Veronica Gonzales, "Mando" Martinez, Lucio III, Margo, Gallego | Sponsor: Uresti
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Friday, June 17, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
Gov. Perry Vetoes HB 990
Relating to certain homestead preservation reinvestment zones. Author: Eddie Rodriguez | Sponsor: Watson
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Friday, June 17, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
Gov. Perry Vetoes HB 992
Relating to excess undergraduate credit hours at public institutions of higher education. Author: Castro | Sponsor: Zaffirini
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Friday, June 17, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
Gov. Perry Vetoes HB 1429
Relating to rights and remedies of certain residential tenants and landlords. Author: Deshotel | Sponsor: Carona
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Friday, June 17, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
Gov. Perry Vetoes HB 1768
Relating to the regulation of roadside vendors and solicitors in certain counties. Authors: Munoz, Jr., Eissler, Laubenberg and Marquez | Sponsor: Hinojosa
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Friday, June 17, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
Gov. Perry Vetoes HB 1616
Relating to the reporting of political contributions, political expenditures, and personal financial information, and to complaints filed with the Texas Ethics Commission. Author: Geren, Flynn, Phil King | Sponsor: Estes
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Friday, June 17, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
Gov. Perry Vetoes HB 2499
Relating to the continuation and functions of the Department of Information Resources and the transfer of certain department functions to the comptroller of public accounts. Author: Cook | Sponsor: Nichols
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Friday, June 17, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
Gov. Perry Vetoes HB 2608
Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. Author: Harper-Brown | Sponsor: Hinojosa
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Friday, June 17, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
Gov. Perry Vetoes HB 2889
Relating to the expunction of records and files relating to a person's arrest. Author: Madden | Sponsor: Hinojosa
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Friday, June 17, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
Gov. Perry Vetoes HB 3125
Relating to the offenses of unauthorized duplication, unauthorized recording, unauthorized operation of recording device, and improper labeling of recordings. Author: Thompson | Sponsor: Patrick
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Friday, June 17, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Signature Statement
Statement About HB 680
Relating to complaints filed with the Texas Medical Board. Author: Schwertner and Torres | Sponsor: Huffman
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Friday, June 17, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Filed With No Signature
Statements About SB 1285, SB 1286 and HB 3033
SB 1285: Relating to contributions to the retirement systems for certain police officers in certain municipalities. Author: Watson | Sponsor: Strama; SB 1286: Relating to the funding of retirement systems for firefighters in certain municipalities. Author: Watson | Sponsor: Eddie Rodriguez; HB 3033: Relating to retirement under public retirement systems for employees of certain municipalities. Author: Naishtat, Eddie Rodriguez and Dukes | Sponsor: Watson
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Friday, June 17, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Filed With No Signature
Statement About HB 1788
Relating to capturing reptiles and amphibians by nonlethal means; providing a penalty. Authors: Farias, Tracy O. King, Larson and Gallego | Sponsor: Uresti
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Friday, June 17, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
Gov. Perry Line-Item Vetoes in HB 1
General Appropriations Bill. Author: Pitts | Sponsor: Ogden
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Thursday, June 09, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Statement by Gov. Rick Perry on Internet Sales Tax Language in Fiscal Matters Bill
I urge lawmakers to remove the Internet sales tax language from SB 1. I believe this provision risks significant unintended consequences, including a loss of Texas job opportunities and weakening of our state's competitive advantage.
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Wednesday, June 08, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Gov. Perry Signs Legislation Benefitting Texas Holocaust and Genocide Commission
Gov. Rick Perry signed Senate Bill (SB) 247, which authorizes the Texas Holocaust and Genocide Commission to provide matching grants to assist in the implementation of the commission's goals and objectives. SB 247 also authorizes the Commission to participate in the establishment and operation of an affiliated nonprofit organization to raise funds and provide services or other benefits to the commission.
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Tuesday, June 07, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Gov. Perry Adds Sanctuary Cities to Special Session Call
Gov. Rick Perry announced the addition of legislation relating to the abolishment of sanctuary cities, the use of the federal Secure Communities program by law enforcement agencies, and the issuance of driver's licenses and personal identification certificates to the special session call.
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Friday, June 03, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Gov. Perry Adds TWIA to Special Session Call
Gov. Rick Perry today announced the addition of legislation relating to the operation of the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association to the special session call.
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Tuesday, May 31, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Gov. Perry Adds Congressional Redistricting to Special Session Call
Gov. Rick Perry today announced the addition of legislation relating to congressional redistricting to the special session of the Texas Legislature.
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Tuesday, May 31, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Gov. Perry: Texas is on the Path to Even Greater Prosperity
Gov. Rick Perry highlighted legislative accomplishments of the 82nd Legislative Session, and urged lawmakers to take swift action on unfinished legislative business as outlined in his call for a special session. The governor was joined by Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and House Speaker Joe Straus, where he commended legislative action that passed the state budget without raising taxes while preserving the Rainy Day Fund, and measures that addressed emergency items and other priority legislation.
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Tuesday, May 31, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
Gov. Perry Vetoes HB 2403
Relating to retailers engaged in business in this state for purposes of sales and use taxes. Authors: Otto, Hilderbran, Villarreal, Naishtat and Branch | Sponsor: Susan King
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Monday, May 30, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Gov. Perry Announces Special Session for May 31
Gov. Rick Perry tonight announced a special session of the Texas Legislature will begin at 8 a.m. Tuesday, May 31.
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Monday, May 30, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
What Others Are Saying About Lawsuit Reforms…
The Texas Association of Business applauds Gov. Rick Perry for his leadership to ensure that Texas' courts are balanced and fair to all. HB 274, considered a top priority by Gov. Perry, expedites legitimate claims while also putting a stop to frivolous claims early in the process. Every Texan should thank Gov. Perry for making this an emergency item for the session which ensured its passage.- Bill Hammond, TAB President and CEO
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Monday, May 30, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Gov. Perry: Loser Pays Lets Employers Spend Less Time in the Courtroom, More Time Creating Jobs
Gov. Rick Perry ceremonially signed House Bill 274, which brings important lawsuit reforms to Texas courts, including implementing a loser pays system for frivolous lawsuits in the state. The governor designated this issue as an emergency item for this legislative session. Gov. Perry was joined by Rep. Brandon Creighton and Sen. Joan Huffman for the signing ceremony.
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Saturday, May 28, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Statement by Mark Miner, Communications Director for Gov. Rick Perry
The death of the windstorm insurance bill is bad for Texas taxpayers, insurance customers and coastal residents.
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Saturday, May 28, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Statement by Gov. Perry on Final Passage of Budget
Last November, the voters of Texas demanded fiscal responsibility from their elected officials, and tonight that promise was delivered
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Friday, May 27, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Gov. Perry: SB 14 Takes a Major Step in Securing the Integrity of the Electoral Process
Gov. Rick Perry today ceremonially signed Senate Bill 14, which requires voters to present photo identification at a polling place. The governor was joined by Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, House Speaker Joe Straus, Sen. Troy Fraser, Rep. Patricia Harless, and other state lawmakers for the signing ceremony.
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Wednesday, May 25, 2011 • Austin,Texas • Press Release
What Others Are Saying About Human Trafficking Legislation…
This legislation begins to give hope to the untold number of children in Texas who have suffered at the hands of human traffickers. CHILDREN AT RISK would like to thank Gov. Perry, Attorney General Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dewhurst, and the Texas Legislature, including Sen. Van de Putte and Rep.Thompson, for making the fight against human trafficking a priority in the state of Texas.- Bob Sanborn, President and CEO of Children at Risk
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Wednesday, May 25, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Gov. Perry: Human Trafficking Legislation Speaks for the Voiceless
Gov. Rick Perry ceremonially signed two bills creating stiffer penalties for individuals who commit human trafficking in Texas, House Bill 3000 and Senate Bill 24. The governor was joined by Rep. Senfronia Thompson, Sen. Leticia Van de Putte and Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott for the signing ceremony.
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Tuesday, May 24, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
What Others Are Saying About Sonogram Legislation…
The environment in Texas has significantly improved for women and babies with the legislature's courageous action on prescribing sonograms for women in crisis pregnancies. Our thanks go to Sen. Patrick, Rep. Miller and Gov. Perry for their diligent efforts to make this happen.- Ann Hettinger, State Director of Concerned Women for America of Texas
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Tuesday, May 24, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Gov. Perry: Sonogram Legislation Helps Prevent the Tragedy of Abortion
Gov. Rick Perry ceremonially signed House Bill 15, which requires a woman to have a sonogram before electing to have an abortion to ensure she is fully informed before making such an impactful decision. The governor designated the measure an emergency item for the 2011 Legislative Session. He was joined by Sen. Dan Patrick and Rep. Sid Miller at the signing ceremony.
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Monday, May 23, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
What Others Are Saying About Eminent Domain Reform...
Today is a proud day for Texas landowners. After years of hard work, Texas has a new eminent domain law that will protect the private property rights of Texans; something Texas ranchers have been working toward for a very long time. TSCRA would like to thank the Texas Legislature, Gov. Perry and all the associations who worked hard to ensure this bill become law.- Joe Parker Jr., President of Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association
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Monday, May 23, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Gov. Perry: The Dream of Property Ownership is Secure in Texas
Gov. Rick Perry today ceremonially signed Senate Bill 18, which implements landmark eminent domain reforms to strengthen private property rights. The governor designated this legislation as an emergency item for the 2011 Legislative Session. He was joined by Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples, Sen. Craig Estes, Sen. Robert Duncan and Rep. Charlie Geren for the bill signing.
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Thursday, May 19, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Statement by Gov. Rick Perry on Passage of House Concurrent Resolution 18
Now more than ever, we need the federal government to live within its means, using the same fiscal discipline that families and employers do every day.
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Tuesday, May 17, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Statement by Gov. Rick Perry on the Comptroller’s Revised Revenue Estimate
The revised revenue estimate shows the strength of Texas job creation and economic growth, but it does not mean lawmakers can abandon necessary budget reductions. Just as Texas families and employers have had to tighten their belts during the national recession, so must state government.
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Tuesday, May 10, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Statement by Gov. Rick Perry on House Passage of House Bill 12
I applaud members of the House for passing legislation that will ban sanctuary cities in Texas and commend Rep. Burt Solomons' leadership on this issue, which will strengthen the discretion our law enforcement officers need to effectively protect Texans.
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Monday, May 09, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Statement by Gov. Rick Perry on House Passage of House Bill 274
I applaud the House and Rep. Brandon Creighton's leadership for moving Texas one step closer to implementing a loser pays system that will help expedite legitimate legal claims and crack down on junk lawsuits.
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Wednesday, May 04, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Statement by Gov. Rick Perry on Senate Passage of House Bill 1
The Senate, House and Governor's Office will now begin working to resolve budget differences during the conference committee process, and pass a balanced two-year state budget we can all be proud of.
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Tuesday, May 03, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Statement by Gov. Rick Perry on Senate Passage of Sonogram Legislation
Gov. Rick Perry today issued the following statement on the Senate passage of sonogram legislation, related to requiring a woman to have a sonogram before an abortion procedure:
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Wednesday, April 13, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Statement by Gov. Rick Perry on Passage of House Concurrent Resolution 18
Washington's out-of-control spending has burdened our future generations with massive debt and set our country on a collision course with economic disaster. We must continue to demand that the federal government exercise the same fiscal restraint employers and families throughout the nation use to live within their means. I commend Rep. Creighton for his leadership on this issue and the Texas House for taking this important step to put our nation back on the path to fiscal responsibility.
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Wednesday, April 13, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Statement by Gov. Rick Perry on Passage of Senate Bill 18
Property ownership is an essential freedom for Texans and an important part of fulfilling the American dream. I applaud Sen. Estes and Rep. Geren for their work on this issue, and commend the Texas House for passing SB 18, which will help further protect property owners by strengthening our eminent domain laws. I look forward to seeing this important legislation reach my desk.
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Thursday, April 07, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Statement by Gov. Rick Perry on Passage of Senate Bill 24
Human trafficking is a deplorable and growing practice in Texas and across the nation. I commend Sen. Van de Putte and Rep. Thompson for their continued work on this issue, and applaud the House and Senate for passing this measure, which sends a strong message that we will not tolerate human trafficking in Texas. I look forward to seeing this important legislation reach my desk, and hope HB 3000 and SB 1436, which increase penalties for those who participate in this insidious activity, will soon follow.
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Sunday, April 03, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Statement by Gov. Rick Perry on Passage of House Bill 1
Gov. Rick Perry today issued the following statement on the passage of House Bill 1
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Thursday, March 31, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Statement by Gov. Rick Perry on Passage of House Bill 4
Gov. Rick Perry today issued the following statement on the passage of House Bill 4:
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Thursday, March 31, 2011 • Abilene, Texas • Press Release
Gov. Perry: Land Ownership is Part of the American Dream and Must Be Protected
Gov. Rick Perry today was joined by Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Honorary Director Tom Perini and Abilene Mayor Norm Archibald to discuss legislation that would further protect private property owners' rights in Texas. The governor designated protecting private property rights/addressing eminent domain issues as an emergency item for the legislative session.
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Thursday, March 24, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Statement by Gov. Rick Perry on House Passage of Voter ID Legislation
Gov. Rick Perry today issued the following statement on the House passage of Senate Bill 14, relating to voter identification requirements:
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Tuesday, March 22, 2011 • Houston, Texas • Press Release
Gov. Perry: We Must Ensure More Victims Don’t Fall Into the Trap of Human Trafficking
Gov. Rick Perry today was joined by state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, Rep. Senfronia Thompson and Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott to discuss legislation that would strengthen penalties for those convicted of human trafficking. Sen. Van de Putte and Rep. Thompson are sponsoring legislation to address this issue, and General Abbott leads the Attorney General's Task Force on Human Trafficking.
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Tuesday, March 15, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
State Leaders Reach Consensus on Closing FY 2011 Budget Gap
Gov. Rick Perry, Speaker Joe Straus and Comptroller Susan Combs today announced the decision to close out the Fiscal Year 2011 budget gap by implementing $800 million in cuts, using $300 million from increased sales tax collections over the last few months, and using a one-time draw not to exceed $3.2 billion from the state's Economic Stabilization Fund, also known as the Rainy Day Fund.
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Monday, March 14, 2011 • Houston, Texas • Press Release
Gov. Perry: Lawsuit Reforms will Expedite Justice for Legitimate Claims and Help Strengthen Texas' Economic Climate
Gov. Rick Perry today reiterated his commitment to further strengthening Texas' legal system by creating a 'loser pays' system to provide stronger protections against frivolous lawsuits, establishing an early dismissal option for frivolous lawsuits, ensuring new laws cannot create causes of action unless expressly established by the Legislature, and setting up speedier trials and limited discovery for lawsuits with claims between $10,000 and $100,000. The governor was joined by Rep. Brandon Creighton and Sen. Joan Huffman, who are sponsoring House Bill 274 and Senate Bill 13 to address this issue.
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Wednesday, March 09, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Gov. Perry: 10th Amendment a Vital Issue for All Texans and Americans
Gov. Rick Perry today was joined by Texas Rep. Brandon Creighton and State Sen. Dan Patrick, sponsors of House Concurrent Resolution 50 and Senate Concurrent Resolution 14, which assert states' rights under the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
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Monday, March 07, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Statement by Gov. Rick Perry on House Passage of Sonogram Legislation
Gov. Rick Perry today issued the following statement on the House passage of sonogram legislation, related to requiring a woman to have a sonogram before an abortion procedure:
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Thursday, March 03, 2011 • San Antonio, Texas • Press Release
Gov. Perry: Strong Families and Small Businesses Keep Texas on the Right Track
Gov. Rick Perry today pledged to continue strengthening the jobs climate that has allowed Texas families and small businesses to thrive by keeping taxes low, and discussed the importance of preserving the state's Rainy Day Fund. The governor spoke at Kel-Lac Uniforms Inc., which provides uniforms for law enforcement agencies and American military troops.
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Friday, February 25, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Gov. Perry Announces Formation of Task Force on Unfunded Mandates to Identify Burdensome Mandates on Local Governments
Gov. Rick Perry has announced the formation of the bipartisan Task Force on Unfunded Mandates, which will identify burdensome unfunded mandates that have been passed down from the state to local governments, such as cities, counties and school districts. The task force will make their recommendations to the governor in March on how to best alleviate these burdens on local entities.
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Thursday, February 17, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Statement by Gov. Rick Perry on Senate Passage of Sonogram Legislation
Gov. Rick Perry today issued the following statement on the Senate passage of SB 16, related to requiring a woman to have a sonogram before an abortion procedure.
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Tuesday, February 08, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Gov. Perry: We Must Reform, Streamline State Government
Gov. Rick Perry delivered his State of the State address today, proposing to consolidate or suspend non-critical state agencies in order to make state government more streamlined and efficient. The governor also outlined his priorities for the 82nd Legislative Session, including balancing the budget without raising taxes, preserving essential services, and strengthening Texas' position as a national economic leader through sound policies.
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Wednesday, January 26, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Statement by Gov. Rick Perry on Senate Passage of Voter ID Legislation
Gov. Rick Perry today issued the following statement on the Senate passage of SB 14, related to voter identification requirements.
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Saturday, January 22, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Gov. Perry Adds Sonogram Requirement to Emergency Items for Legislative Session
Gov. Rick Perry today spoke at the 2011 Texas Rally for Life, where he declared legislation to require a sonogram before a woman elects to have an abortion as an emergency item for the 2011 legislative session.
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Thursday, January 20, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Gov. Perry Adds Voter I.D. and Balanced Budget Amendment to Emergency Items for Legislative Session
Gov. Rick Perry today declared additional emergency items for the 2011 legislative session, requiring a voter to present proof of identification when voting and a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
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Tuesday, January 18, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Gov. Perry: This Century is the Texas Century
Gov. Rick Perry today took the oath of office for his third full term as Texas' 47th governor. In his inaugural address, the governor celebrated the priorities that have helped make Texas the best state to live, work and raise a family, and committed to strengthening those principles to ensure the Lone Star State's future remains prosperous.
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Thursday, January 13, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Gov. Perry Calls for Expanded Lawsuit Reform in Texas
Gov. Rick Perry today urged lawmakers to maintain the principles that have helped Texas' economy lead the nation, and to build upon previous improvements to the state's legal system by further expanding lawsuit reform. The governor gave the keynote address at the Texas Public Policy Foundation's (TPPF) 9th Annual Policy Orientation for the Texas Legislature.
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Wednesday, January 12, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Gov. Perry: Fiscal Responsibility Will Guide Texas through Budget Process
Gov. Rick Perry today met with Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and Speaker Joe Straus to discuss priorities for the 82nd Legislative Session, primarily their commitment to balancing the state budget using the shared guiding principles of not raising taxes on Texas families and businesses; working with the available revenue; and evaluating all programs and agencies as state leaders scrub the budget.
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Tuesday, January 11, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Press Release
Gov. Perry Designates Eminent Domain, Sanctuary Cities as Emergency Items
Gov. Rick Perry today, in separate addresses to the Texas Senate and House of Representatives, announced emergency items for the 82nd Legislative session, which include protecting private property rights, addressing eminent domain issues, and abolishing sanctuary cities in Texas. The governor also reiterated his commitment to balancing the state budget without raising taxes by prioritizing and cutting government spending.
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