Texas Guv Pushes for Jobs Money

Texas’ GOP Governor Rick Perry lauded the 1,400 new Caterpillar jobs soon coming to the state, and said today the company’s expansion here shows why the Legislature should replenish the job-creating Texas Enterprise Fund.

Caterpillar is receiving $10 million from the fund for its Texas expansion. Perry oversees the fund along with the lieutenant governor and Texas House speaker. The account is used to close deals with companies considering relocating to or adding jobs in the state.

Caterpillar, which already has an operation in Seguin, will generate nearly $170 million in capital investment with its new facility, the governor’s office said.

Perry’s office has said he is seeking another $260 million for the enterprise fund over the coming two-year state budget cycle.

Job creation is a cornerstone of Perry’s administration and already is a platform for his 2010 run for re-election. From January through November of 2008, the state added jobs in every month but September.