AUSTIN, Texas – In his annual State of the State address, Gov. Greg Abbott laid out his vision for Texas, focusing on expanding the state’s energy grid, education reform, public safety, and stricter immigration policies.
His speech, delivered before state lawmakers, highlighted Texas’ rapid growth and economic strength while drawing sharp criticism from Democratic leaders who accused him of being out of touch with everyday Texans.
Energy and Economic Growth
Abbott highlighted Texas’ status as the nation’s leader in power generation, boasting a 35% increase in production over the past four years.
He called for further grid expansion and proposed a “nuclear power renaissance” to meet the state’s rising energy demands.
The governor framed Texas’ energy dominance as a critical factor in its economic success and independence.
Education Overhaul and “Woke Agendas”
Education reform took center stage in Abbott’s address, as he called for empowering parents, increasing teacher pay, and ensuring academic excellence.
He pledged to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in K-12 schools, arguing that classrooms should focus on core subjects such as reading, writing, and math.
Abbott reiterated his support for school choice, citing a pilot program that provides grants to special education students.
He also emphasized vocational training, praising a young Texas graduate who transitioned into a high-paying trade career.
Public Safety and Cybersecurity Initiatives
Abbott proposed tougher crime laws, including eliminating parole for child traffickers and strengthening bail restrictions for violent offenders.
He also addressed squatting issues, advocating for stronger property rights protections.
The governor announced the creation of a Texas Cyber Command to combat cyber threats, citing recent attacks on critical infrastructure.
He also pushed for barring non-citizens from serving in state and local government positions.
Border Security and Election Integrity
Illegal immigration remained a top priority for Abbott, who touted the success of Operation Lone Star, a state-run border security effort.
He claimed an 85% reduction in illegal crossings and vowed to continue building a border wall.
He also declared the Tren de Aragua gang a foreign terrorist organization and announced the deployment of specialized strike teams to combat gang violence.
On election security, Abbott called for stricter safeguards to ensure only U.S. citizens can vote and advocated for expanding the attorney general’s power to prosecute election violations.
Calls for the Death Penalty in Child Murder Cases
Abbott invoked the case of 12-year-old Joseline, who was allegedly raped and murdered by undocumented immigrants, to push for new legislation imposing the death penalty for child murderers. He framed the proposal as a moral imperative to protect Texas children.
Looking Ahead
With a Republican-controlled legislature, many of Abbott’s proposals are likely to gain traction.
However, fierce opposition from Democrats and advocacy groups suggests that debates over education, immigration, and reproductive rights will remain contentious in the coming months.
Abbott concluded his speech with a call for unity and resilience, saying, “Freedom is the force that has propelled Texas to economic dominance.”
Lawmakers will begin debating Abbott’s legislative priorities in the coming weeks, with key battles expected over school choice, crime policies, and election laws.
DeSoto Tribune Staff