HOUSTON, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott spoke to Houston business leaders about his legislative agenda to make Texas “even stronger.” In a speech before the Greater Houston Partnership, Gov. Abbott reiterated the key elements of his State of the State speech he delivered to a joint session of the Texas Legislature on February 17th.

The Governor opened his talk with some quips about the things he gets to do as the state’s new chief executive. “I get to do bold things like chart a course for a greater Texas,” Abbott said. “But I do some simpler things like announcing a new first puppy for Texas. And I get to meet some genuine American heroes like I did last week. I met our nation’s oldest WWII Veteran – he’s 108 and a Texan – Mr. Richard Overton.”

He told the gathered business leaders that Texas is strong, but “we’re about to make it even stronger.” He said that Texas created more jobs in 2014 than in any prior year in its history. “And already this year, reports show that our economic engine continues to gain steam.”

He then dove into his legislative agenda and budget he claims will move Texas even further down the trail of success. The Governor’s legislative priorities include early education; higher education, including both two year and four year programs; higher education research initiatives; border security; transportation; government ethics; and lowering taxes for homeowners and businesses.

Prior to the luncheon with business leaders, Abbott toured the School at St. George Place where he observed pre-kindergarten classes, according to a press release obtained by Breitbart Texas. He spoke with teachers and administrators about the importance of pre-K programs and pledged to make Texas’ the best in the nation.

Abbott wrapped up his speech by painting an optimistic picture of Texas’ future. “Texas needs us to succeed. America needs us to succeed,” he concluded. “And we need your help to achieve that success. We need you engaged with your elected representatives to help pass these plans. Stay active, stay vocal and stay involved. Working together we will keep Texas the leading state in this nation.”

A full transcript of the Governor’s remarks is attached below.

Bob Price is a senior political news contributor for Breitbart Texas and a member of the original Breitbart Texas team. Follow him on Twitter @BobPriceBBTX and on Facebook.

Abbott Speech to Greater Houston Partnership