Texas Governor Meddles in Vernon Drama; Tells Businesses to Come to Texas due to AB 46

Now that the Assembly has passed AB 46, which would lead to the disincorporation of the small city of Vernon if the Senate eventually passes it as well, the Governor of Texas sees a business opportunity in the political drama over the fate of the local government. Lots of businesses from Vernon received a letter from Texas Gov. Rick Perry stating that they should come to the business-friendly climate of Texas if they feel unappreciated in the Golden State. Perry wrote that “If California doesn't want your business, Texas does. Texas has no personal income tax, and there's no interest in getting one. We are the number one exporting state. Business taxes are low, flat and fair." So will the governor’s letter attract businesses or even give opponents of AB 46 extra talking points for urging opposition to the bill? That remains to be seen, but the army of lobbyists against the bill will have some extra ammunition.

In response to Perry’s meddling, Speaker Perez, who has been pushing AB 46, commented that the bill is about attacking corruption, not jobs. A spokesman for Perez noted that “Fact is, Speaker Pérez is fighting to protect jobs and businesses threatened by the Enron-style corruption in Vernon.”

You can read the letter that Gov. Perry sent to Vernon businesses here:

Rick Perry Letter