Good Example Of Governor Greg Abbott's Texas State Of The State Address Essay

Texas Governor, Greg Abbott delivered his first ever State of the State speech since assuming governorship on 17th February, 2015. The policy agendas he addressed in his speech were improving the state’s education system, promoting economic development, strengthening border security, and investing in transportation and water infrastructure. The in-depth analysis of the appropriateness of these policy areas and personal comments are important in relating them with the context the Texas government and the politics of this state are in.
The first thing the governor addressed was the on the topic of education. According to the governor, school litigation had been surpassed with times and it was time it was shelved by the people of Texas (Root, n.p). His proposal to give additional funding to schools with Pre-K programs that are of high quality is consistent with the context the Texas government finds itself in because by improving early education, the government will be in the position to improve other schools and thus advance the education of Texan students (KXAN News and Weber, n.p).
The governor hinted at the government using $500 million to recruit Nobel laureates and researchers who will work in community colleges; this is important because it will lead to expansion of community colleges leading to the realization of a highly learned populace that could contribute to the development of the state. An expanded investment in transportation is crucial for easing movement of goods within the state thus promoting business and investment whose trickle-down effect is economic development (Root, n.p).
Moreover, the increased spending on securing borders through hiring of 500 new law enforcement officers is something that is in touch with the politics of the state. Being the second most populous state in the nation, its people need enhanced protection from aggression or hostile elements.
However, in my opinion, the main policy agenda Governor Abbott should have addressed in his State of the State address is promoting economic development. This is because a robust economy will be crucial in raising revenues through taxes collected. By enhancing the revenue basket, the Texas government will able to fund early education programs, expand and develop community colleges necessary for development of higher education, and readily invest in transportation and building of water infrastructures (KXAN News and Weber, n.p). Moreover, a swarming economy will provide funds to fight drug cartels, human smuggling syndicates, and transnational gangs. Essentially, the first step in ensuring an all-inclusive progress of the state is having the resources to fund the desired projects.
Personally, I strongly agree with the governor’s plan on how he intends to achieve the emergency priorities he addressed. His model of taxation, funding and share of budget allocations for these programs is endearing. He plans to fund the building of transport networks by using $4 billion without raising taxes on the citizens, and without indulging in borrowing or raising fleet tools (Root, n.p). Moreover, he is focused on reducing property taxes so that people living in Texas can become property owners. In addition to that, he intends on paying down the state’s debt so that future generations do not get burdened with debt incurred during the times of their parents (KXAN News, n.p). By doubling spending on border security, he actually wants to ensure safety and security of the people so that they can put their energy into developing both their lives and state.
The governor’s state of the state address is indicative of a new beginning. It is devoid of political innuendos and fallacies and overall, it is clear that the address contains elements that are aimed at promoting the welfare of each individual in the entire state.

Works Cited

KXAN News, and Paul J. Weber. "Gov. Greg Abbott’s State of the State Highlights 5 Emergency Items." KXANcom. 17 Feb. 2015. Web. 21 Feb. 2015. <http://kxan.com/2015/02/17/gov-greg-abbott-delivering-state-of-the-state-address/>.
Root, Jay. "In State of the State Address, Abbott Proposes Sweeping Agenda, by Jay Root." The Texas Tribune. 17 Feb. 2015. Web. 21 Feb. 2015. <http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/17/abbott-lists-5-emergency-items-session/>.