WILL WEISSERT, Associated Press
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) – Gov.-elect Greg Abbott says his administration’s top priorities will be bolstering early education, securing the Texas-Mexico border, cutting taxes and pumping $4 billion annually into a traffic-clogged state road network.
None of the goals announced at a Monday news conference were new.
Indeed, Abbott’s remarks were more surprising for avoiding conservative red-meat issues, such as abortion and his steadfast support allowing for the open carry of handguns.
Abbott instead said he’d like to see every Texas child reading and doing math at grade level by third grade, and would improve roads without raising taxes, fees or tolls.
Abbott, who takes office Jan. 20, said border security is a federal responsibility but Texas can’t afford to wait.
He also cheered possible business and property tax cuts but offered few specifics.