State Representative Chris Turner (HD96-Tarrant) released the following statement in response to today’s Gubernatorial State of the State Address:

“I support Governor Perry’s initiative to add additional border security to combat gang violence and drug trafficking, and agree with him that we should exempt more small businesses from the margins tax by raising the exemption to $1 million.

“However, I was disappointed that at a time when middle class families are struggling in this difficult economic climate, the Governor said nothing about the need to rein in high utility and insurance rates which unfairly hurt families and businesses.  I was also surprised and disappointed that the Governor failed to mention the need to revamp our current school funding scheme, which has put many school districts in a financial crisis and is hurting the quality of instruction for Texas schoolchildren.  I am hopeful that the Legislature, working on a bipartisan basis, will address these issues in the weeks ahead.”