Abbott at Houston roundtable: 'Our business owners, entrepreneurs and workforce are who make Texas exceptional'

Gov. Greg Abbott visited Houston on Thursday (March 17) to hold a business roundtable discussion. According to a press release issued by his office, Abbott hosted the roundtable at Pieper-Houston Electric to talk about Texas' business climate and growth. 

The release said that the governor, a Republican, was joined by State Rep. Lacey Hull (R-Houston), the National Federation of Independent Business Texas' Annie Spilman and Pieper-Houston Electric leadership.

"People often ask how we get so many companies to move to Texas and how we have kept our economy growing year after year—but the answer is simple: We partner with our business community and provide them with the resources and support they need to thrive," Abbott said, according to the release. "It is because of companies like Pieper-Houston Electric and its employees that the state’s economy continues to grow and expand, building a more prosperous future for every Texan. Our business owners, entrepreneurs and workforce are who make Texas exceptional, because when they succeed, Texas succeeds."

According to the governor's office, the state has added approximately 700,000 jobs dating back to January 2021, continuing to set new employment records.

Employers across the state have reported continued growth in job activity and hiring efforts, the release added.

Abbott also stressed the important role of small businesses in Texas' consistently strong economy.

The release said that the governor touched on the actions of the Texas Legislature during its recent sessions.

He said lawmakers approved measures that decreased property taxes, granted small businesses COVID-19 liability protections and enabled business expansion.

Abbott and the roundtable discussed ways to sustain the state's growth and prosperity, the release said.

Houston CBS affiliate KHOU reported that Abbott provided an update on an investigation into alleged sexual abuse at the Refuge, a shelter for young sex trafficking victims in Bastrop County near Austin.

According to the station, the governor ordered the Texas Rangers to investigate the claims and was notified by the Department of Public Safety (DPS) in writing that they didn't find any evidence of abuse or trafficking at the facility.

KHOU reported that the state Senate is also looking into the matter.

The release said that Pieper-Houston Electric has been specializing in the design, construction and maintenance of electrical systems for commercial properties in the Greater Houston area since 1958.