AUSTIN – Governor-elect Greg Abbott today hosted an economic development roundtable meeting with elected officials and business community leaders in the Rio Grande Valley, where he discussed his plans to create more jobs and economic opportunity, improve schools so students are prepared for the jobs of the future and secure Texas’ border to provide the safety and stability crucial to economic development.
Abbott also reaffirmed his campaign commitment to giving the Rio Grande Valley a central role in state government, pledging to listen to leaders in the region as he formulates his agenda as governor.
“On this, we can all agree; government is supposed to be the servant of the people, not the other way around. As governor, I will ensure we keep that priority straight,” said Abbott. “That is why I am here today – to hear your ideas and concerns. This is the beginning of an ongoing dialogue I want to have with you over the next four years; a new partnership between local leaders, business leaders and your state partners.”
Participants in the roundtable included State Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr., State Rep. Eddie Lucio III, State Rep. Rene Oliveira, State Rep. Oscar Longoria, State Rep. Sergio Munoz, Jr., the Mayors of Mission, Palmhurst, Edinburg, Rio Grande City, Laguna Vista, and Brownsville, and representatives from the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, Brownsville Economic Development Council, and the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, as well as numerous other civic and business organizations.