Texas Governor Outlines Bold Vision in ‘State of the State’ Address

Texas Governor Greg Abbott delivered his 2025 State of the State address Sunday afternoon from Arnold Oil Company’s headquarters in Austin, highlighting Texas' economic success, legislative priorities, and policy goals. The address was carried live on many TV outlets across the state, but if you missed it and would like to get the gist of what the Governor's priorities are this session, along with some video clips. Read on...

Economic Strength

• Texas ranks No. 1 in job creation, economic development, and business growth.
• Creation of the Texas Stock Exchange to compete nationally.
• Expansion in technology, semiconductors, and space exploration industries.

Property Tax Relief

• Proposes $10 billion in new property tax cuts.
• Plans to prevent local governments from raising taxes without voter approval.
• Calls for a one-year tax exemption on home improvements like heating and air conditioning.

Water & Energy Infrastructure

• Announces largest water investment in Texas history to ensure supply for the next 50 years.
• Plans to expand nuclear energy and strengthen the power grid.
• Increase in megawatts to support growing energy demands.

Education Reform

• Three main priorities: empowering parents, supporting teachers, and improving academics.
• Pushes for school choice and increased teacher pay.
• Supports stronger school discipline policies.
• Expands career training programs, highlighting an 18-year-old Texas welder featured on Yellowstone.

Higher Education & DEI Policies

• Proposes banning Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in K-12 and universities.
• Calls for college affordability reforms.
• Seeks to eliminate faculty control over hiring decisions.

Public Safety & Crime

• Pushes to eliminate parole for child traffickers.
• Calls for denying bail for violent offenders.
• Strengthens laws against squatters.
• Announces creation of Texas Cyber Command to defend against foreign cyber threats.

Border Security

• Highlighted the success of Operation Lone Star in securing the border.
• Continues border wall construction and state law enforcement deployment.
• Supports laws to prohibit non-citizens from holding government positions.
• Pushes for a ban on foreign adversaries purchasing Texas land.

Emergency Items for Immediate Action

Abbott declared the following as emergency legislative priorities:

• $10 billion in property tax relief.
• Teacher pay raises and school choice expansion.
• More funding for career training programs.
• Water and energy infrastructure investments.
• Bail reform to keep violent criminals in jail.
• Increased cybersecurity protections.

Closing Statement

Governor Abbott declared: “More than anything, it is freedom that will make Texas stronger, safer, and more prosperous than ever in the history of our great state.

May God bless you all, and may God forever bless the great state of Texas.”