Gov. Perry, EchoStar Announce Creation of 1,000 Jobs in Rio Grande Valley

HARLINGEN - Saying “things are looking brighter” for the Texas economy, Gov. Rick Perry today announced the creation of 1,000 new jobs in Harlingen as EchoStar Communications Corporation opened a new customer service center.

“This is good news for the border region, for the thousands of men and women who benefit from these jobs, and for the Texas economy as a whole,” Perry said during a visit to the Rio Grande Valley. “EchoStar’s investment is one sign of many that the Texas economy is rebounding, growing and poised to help lead America out of tough times.”

Perry also announced that the state is opening a new economic development office in the Rio Grande Valley, one of several such offices that will be located statewide to focus on economic growth and job creation.

The governor noted that despite bad news in recent years about the national economy, positive trends in the Texas economy are unmistakable. In the past nine months more than 7,000 jobs were created in a wide range of industries, and those jobs will be worth billions to the Texas economy.

“There are other good signs that point to a more prosperous future,” Perry said. “Recently, Texas surpassed California as the single largest exporter in the United States. While other state’s bond ratings have been downgraded, our bond ratings remain strong. And voters took one more very important step to protect our economy by voting for more affordable health care with the passage of Proposition 12.”

The governor also reminded Texans that a $10 billion budget gap was erased without raising taxes.

“Instead of raising taxes, we have prioritized spending,” Perry said. “And we have made investments in jobs one of this state’s top priorities. That’s why we created the $295 million Texas Enterprise Fund, to lure new jobs and opportunities to Texas.

“We put jobs first because when you create jobs, you create new wealth and new revenue which can be invested into important priorities like education and health care.”