Gov. Abbott Begins Term at Texas Capitol

Picture by Allison Terry.

Picture by Allison Terry.

“Anytime you’re governor for 14 years,” John Frullo said, “you’re going to have a lasting impression on the state.”

Frullo, R-Texas, state representative for the 84th district, said the atmosphere at 1100 Congress Avenue has been different since Texas Gov. Greg Abbott took over the Capitol building. Frullo said the 84th legislative session is shaping up to be a productive one.

Gov. Greg Abbott, R-Texas, won the November primary election against Wendy Davis, D-Texas, by a landslide. The primary political party may not have changed, but Abbott is expected to make serious changes during his governorship.

According to Seth McKee, Ph.D., a professor in the political science department, Abbott’s motives are different than Perry’s. Abbott is expected to focus on three main issues: transportation, education and water security.

“Education, funding it, K-12, that’s a priority that he’s talked about a lot,” McKee said. “Water projects, something we think about more in West Texas, but that’s something you can put money into. Roads — clearly you have parts of the state that are harder to get around: Houston, the Metroplex, etc. There’s a way to put more money into that and ease up some of the congestion.”

Frullo agreed these issues would be big during Abbott’s reign. He said these issues greatly affect the Lubbock area. Frullo said the cotton industry, which relies heavily on water and transportation security, will benefit from the reform in particular.

McKee said he thinks there will be little confrontation between representatives because the Republican party is still dominant. Besides a few tea party conservatives, he said, most representatives will agree on majority of the issues.

“He’s going to be a governor. I mean, governors are different from federal politicians. They often do stuff that is not terribly partisan. Right? When you think about funding infrastructure and projects, that’s not really a Democratic or Republican issue.”

One issue McKee said may flare up is the relationship between Abbott and Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. McKee said Patrick is more conservative than Abbott, and Patrick’s direct involvement with the Texas House may influence some representatives. He said he expects Abbott to remain strong in his position and not let colleagues take advantage of him.

Governor Rick Perry accepts the All Rise Governor of the Year Award with a speech at the Lubbock County Courthouse April 4, 2014. Picture by Allison Terry.

Gov. Rick Perry accepts the All Rise Governor of the Year Award with a speech at the Lubbock County Courthouse April 4, 2014. Picture by Allison Terry.

Although Perry may have made some controversial moves during his 14-year term, McKee said, he left Texas in a good state for Abbott.

“The Great Recession was something that almost didn’t even touch the state,” McKee said. “So, whether Perry gets credit for that or not, he will be known as the governor who presided over this tremendous economic engine.”

Frullo said he has enjoyed working with Abbott thus far.

“He’s going to do a great job,” Frullo said. “He thinks things through; he’s a very smart man.”

Abbott will issue a State of the State address on Feb. 17 to talk more about his plans as governor.

About Sarah Self-Walbrick

Graduate Executive Director — Mass Communication Graduate Student, Class of 2017
Sarah, a Lubbock native, has two bachelor of art degrees in electronic media and communication and journalism, and is pursuing a master's in mass communications. She loves Texas, her husband and dog, and good storytelling.