New council strives to keep Texas competitive

Perry noted that the council will start "by identifying obstacles in state government that keep Texas from high-performance in the global marketplace." He said that could include issues such as burdensome regulations or processes.

To show legislators that competitiveness is a high priority, the governor said he will apply competitiveness standards not only to his own office, but also to proposed legislation in the upcoming January 2009 legislative session. All legislation that crosses his desk will be required to carry a "Competitive Impact Score," closely akin to Fiscal Notes that are required on legislation. Perry said the competitive impact score would be required to answer the question, "Will signing this bill make us more or less competitive in the global economy?"

Wilson called the work of the council "one of the most important things state government has undertaken in the past decade."

"We need fixes that better mesh the many gears of state government with the needs of industry," said Perry. "We need to fill the gap between millions of research dollars and a final marketable product."

Perry and Wilson are hopeful that the council's recommendations will provide Texas with the infrastructure to ensure that the state meets all the needs of businesses and education so Texas can keep its economy vibrant - and competitive.

The council has met twice since it was named last December, with the next meeting set for Wednesday, May 28. Other meeting dates are Monday, June 23, and Wednesday, July 9. The council's summit meeting will be in August.

At the January meeting, invited guests from both the private and public sectors offered ideas on how to improve the state's competitiveness in their respective disciplines. The members include elected officials, executive-level state agency officials, representatives of public and higher education and prominent Texas businessmen and businesswomen.

While the monthly meetings are open only to council members, the council will be taking input from other industry representatives and agencies on how to improve the state's competitive advantage. Public testimony will be taken during the summer hearings before the council adopts its recommendations.