NBC 5 is partnering with The Dallas Morning News, KERA and Telemundo 39 to produce in-depth reports about the race for Texas governor. We asked our viewers, readers and listeners to vote on the topics most important to them. For five days, we will report in-depth on each of those topics: education, immigration, health care, economy and infrastructure.
The fourth report is on the economy. Click here to see our report on Texas Sen. Wendy Davis.
It is a number you hear Attorney General Greg Abbott uses often in his campaign.
"Texas is No. 1 in the nation in jobs, and I will keep it that way," said Abbott.
In his ad about jobs, Abbott moves across a map, staring from California, saying, "Every week, businesses leave California to escape high taxes." He goes on to say Texas is the best place for jobs, because of low taxes and reasonable regulations.
We talked to Abbott about his plans for the economy.
"We will control state spending, unleash the oil and gas industry, and keep taxes low," said Abbott.
Abbott says he will do this by setting priorities to control spending, and reduce debt. He places the onus on the letting the private sector grow.
"This is the important fact. Government does not create jobs. It is the private sector that creates job," he added.
But when it comes to pay, Abbott is not in favor of raising the minimum wage.
Abbott again pointing the finger at the federal government.
Politics
Politics from around the world.
"We don't need these Obama-style mandates telling business how to run their business. The one thing we know is government does not know how to run business," said Abbott.
He thinks Texas is doing fine on its own.
"We have high paying jobs in the state of Texas because we don't let the federal government tell us how to run our business," added Abbott.
CLICK HERE for a special 5 Days in October section from The Dallas Morning News.
