Senator touts Texas economy Posted On: Tuesday, Nov. 24 2009 05:06 AM
Updated On: Tuesday, Nov. 24 2009 01:35 PM By Matt Goodman
Killeen Daily Herald

Texas Sen. Troy Fraser, R-Horseshoe Bay, assured a ballroom filled with Central Texas officials Monday that the state is on more solid financial footing than any other.

Fraser said this is why he recently addressed California legislators about how to turn a deficit into a surplus.

"It's almost that simple," he said, "We do not spend more money than we bring in."

The Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee hosted Fraser for a luncheon at the Shilo Inn Monday. Terry Tuggle, president and CEO of 1st National Bank, introduced Fraser and thanked him for pushing through legislation that established Texas A&M University-Central Texas in Killeen.

"We would never be where we are without your help and support," Tuggle said.

Fraser took to the podium to give what he called a "state update." But before discussing state finances, the senator commented on the support the community provided after the Nov. 5 massacre at Fort Hood that left 13 dead and scores injured.

"I watched the resiliency of this community and I wasn't surprised by their response," he said.

He mentioned that donations to victims' families was "way north of $250,000" and that U.S. Rep. John Carter, R-Round Rock, would be pushing for national legislation to determine how the money will be distributed.

But the majority of Fraser's speech was centered on the economic stability throughout the state.

He stressed the importance of Texas' balanced budget amendment, which forces legislators to only use money that the state has, rather than to enter into loans with the federal government.

Fraser said the $9 billion surplus that was present after the last legislative session in 2008 was possible not by raising taxes, but by living within its means.

This, he said, produces an economic climate that gives large companies confidence to relocate to the state.

"More Fortune 500 companies have headquarters in Texas than any other state," he said. "We continue to be the breadbasket of not only the nation, but the breadbasket of the entire world."

Fraser promised to continue to push stalled legislation that would require voters to show identification before being allowed to vote. Currently, an individual can bring just a voter registration card and vote without showing any other form of identification.

"It's too easy to cheat," he said. "The sanctity of the right to vote is the most important thing government can do."

Fraser closed his speech with a question-and-answer session. An audience member asked about the biggest obstacles facing the state. Fraser said it starts with the governor's race, as Texas could have a new senator, governor and lieutenant governor.

"It's going to be a very interesting period," he said.

Fraser, a Horseshoe Bay native, has represented District 24 since 1996. The district covers a 21-county zone, including Bell and Lampasas.

Contact Matt Goodman at mgoodman@kdhnews.com or (254) 501-7550.