Look to Lone Star State for example of prosperous business climate

Editor, The Times:

I appreciate your interest in my recent economic-development pitch to Washington business leaders [“The eyes of Texas,” Opinion, Oct. 25]. Your editorial helps draw attention to the fact that Texas is ranked the best state to do business by CNBC, CEO magazine and many others because of low taxes, a fair and predictable regulatory climate, common-sense limits on lawsuits and strong public schools and universities.

Texas added 152,000 jobs in the past year. Our citizens enjoy an outstanding quality of life, world-class transportation and technology infrastructure, access to wide-open spaces, 300 miles of coastline and some of the greatest museums, theater and cultural attractions in America.

I wish the best for the state of Washington’s employers and residents. But higher taxes make states less competitive and hurt business rankings. Competition among states for jobs, quality of life and effective policies makes us stronger and helps push back against the misguided one-size-fits-all policies coming out of Washington, D.C.

Seattle Times readers really interested in quality jobs and the very best place in America to do business should look to the Lone Star State.

— Rick Perry, governor, Texas