TEXAS FIRST

SMART ECONOMY. STRONG COMMUNITIES. SECURE FAMILIES.

Putting Texas frst means creating an environment where businesses can
prosper, good jobs are created, and Texans are prepared for the future.
- Senator Leticia Van de Putte
As a small business owner, Leticia knows how important it is for Texas to remain the number one state in
the nation for jobs and economic development.

Leticia understands that Texas needs to invest in roads, water, and public education to ensure a
prosperous future for Texas businesses and workers. She sees the possibilities that our states lush
natural resources provide and knows that our economy will remain strong if we foster trade with our
neighbors. Leticia understands that with a strong business climate and a quality workforce, businesses
will continue to bring jobs to Texas.
Over the past year, every major industry expanded in Texas. These industries created 371,000 jobs
between June 2013 and June 2014. Leticia is committed to placing Texas in the best position to keep
industries like mining and logging and transportation and utilities strong, while also attracting the
industries of the future. Leticia knows that under her leadership, the state has great potential to expand
jobs in the biomedical and technology industries of Texas.
Leticia believes that an educated and skilled workforce is crucial to attracting new jobs and ensuring
they are flled by Texans. Leticia knows that in order for Texas to prosper, it must prepare students for
jobs that may not yet exist, as well as those that have a long history in this state. Currently, there is a
growing need in Texas for healthcare professionals and teachers, as well as mechanics and computer
support specialist. No matter what the industry, Leticia is committed to prepare Texans to take on any
job of the future.
Leticia believes that growing a smart economy requires a pro-business environment that stimulates
rather than stifles business growth. She understands that Texas needs to balance keeping taxes low
and fair while also investing in job creation. She recognizes that Texas needs a system of predictable
regulations so that we can continue to attract businesses from across the country and the world.

As Lieutenant Governor, Leticia will ensure that Texas leads the nation in creating high paying jobs,
fostering innovative businesses, and supporting entrepreneurship.
JOBS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:
Good Jobs, the Foundation for a Strong Texas
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AS LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, LETICIA WILL:
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Foster entrepreneurship, and small business growth and opportunity. As
a small business owner, Leticia knows that starting and operating a small
business is tough, yet rewarding. Leticia believes that small businesses
are the backbone of our economy. Leticia will enhance existing state
programs that help small business and create new opportunities for them
to thrive.
Leticia has consistently led the fght for a fair and equitable tax
system for small business. She knows that the states current tax
structure can be confusing for small business owners. Leticia
will require the Comptrollers offce to streamline tax policies and
rules so that business owners can spend less time navigating
bureaucracy and more time adding value to the states economy.
Leticia believes in space exploration and wants Texas to remain
the space state. Leticia will support and encourage collaboration
between state and local governments, as well as academia and
private commercial space businesses so that Texas can be the
leader in the exploration and development of space.
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Leticia will work to attract more microlenders to Texas so that
entrepreneurs and small businesses will have the means to
expand and prosper.
Leticia knows that investing in start-up technology companies is
important for Texass future prosperity. Leticia is committed to
attracting venture capital investments in Texas technology and
biomedical sectors.
Leticia will work with the Small Business division of the Governors
Offce to encourage small businesses to apply for state programs
such as Jobs 4 Texas, Texas Emerging Technology Fund, and the
Texas Enterprise Fund.
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Ensure an attractive business climate by maintaining a predictable
regulatory system. Leticia knows that in order for businesses to prosper,
our state must maintain fair and equitable regulations so that businesses
will continue to create jobs and put more Texans to work. Leticia has led
major efforts in improving telecommunications and electricity markets. In
1999, she was a leader in making major changes to telecommunications
laws and was instrumental in deregulating the electricity market. Her 13
years of service on the Senate Business and Commerce Committee have
provided her with knowledge and understanding of our states complex
regulatory system.
Leticia knows that in order for businesses to grow, the state must
have an effcient environmental permitting process in place.
Leticia will require the review of the permitting process at the
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality so that businesses
will have more predictable timelines to attract capital investments
and begin construction.
Leticia knows that businesses need reliable and affordable
energy rates. She believes that Texans and businesses deserve
to know the potential costs of any signifcant electricity market
changes.
Leticia authored and co-sponsored bills that lessened the
regulations of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission so that
distilleries, breweries, and wineries could more easily get their
products into the stream of commerce. Leticia will continue to
examine ways to help small businesses continue to grow and
create Texas jobs.
Ensure Texas businesses can remain competitive in todays economic
market. As a small business owner, Leticia knows that there are many
factors that can impact the ability of businesses to thrive. While not all
factors can be controlled, Leticia knows it is smart business for Texas to
protect the companies that boost our economy and provide jobs.
Leticia will fght to protect and strengthen Texas military bases
and aerospace industries that are crucial to our states economy.
Continued on next page
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Preserve competitive economic development incentives that grow the
Texas economy and create jobs. Leticia knows that Texass economic
development incentive programs attract job-creating businesses and a
strong economy. The Texas Enterprise Fund, for example, has helped
to create 75,000 jobs in Texas. Leticia, however, knows that some past
awards have failed to follow through with commitments to create jobs
in Texas. Leticia will ensure that these programs adhere to a process
approved by the Legislature and that they provide a high return on
investment for Texas taxpayers.
Leticia will fght to preserve the Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF), but
not without enforceable accountability. Leticia will make sure
that all TEF potential grantees are thoroughly reviewed prior to
receiving approval. She will also ensure that Texas enforces TEF
contracts and collects damages if a grantee does not fulfll its
TEF obligations.
Leticia will alter the composition of the Texas Emerging
Technology advisory board to provide a checks and balance of
any funds awarded.
The military and defense industry is one of the
largest economic sectors in our state. Texas has 15
military installations that boast 148,737 active duty
military personnel, employ an additional 107,137
Texans, and provide nearly $150 billion toward our
state economy. Leticia has served with the Texas
Military Preparedness Commission for over 10 years,
and knows that successfully protecting our Texas
bases from closure or sequestration also protects
Texas jobs and the Texas economy.
Aerospace and aviation has contributed over $8.4
billion in gross domestic product in previous years.
Our state is home to some of the largest international
airports and multi-million dollar investments made
by Texas aerospace companies. Leticia will work
to foster a business friendly climate for additional
aerospace and aviation sector investments.
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Provide every Texan the opportunity to be workforce ready. Leticia knows
that in order to attract new business to Texas, we must have a skilled and
qualifed workforce. Well-regarded studies predict that by 2020, over 55
percent of Texas jobs will require some type of postsecondary credential.
Leticia knows that in order for Texas to be frst in jobs, it must become
a national center of educational cooperation and innovation to ensure
Texans are the frst to fll any potential skilled workforce gaps.
Pol. ad. paid for by the Leticia Van de Putte for Lt.
Governor Campaign. Joe J. Bernal, Treasurer.
Printed in-house using volunteer labor
Leticia will be sharing more of her legislative priorities to
put Texas frst and build a smart economy.
To be the frst to learn about how she will ensure that
Texans are ready to take on the jobs of the future with her
Texas First: Higher Education Plan, sign up at
www.leticiavandeputte.com/HigherEd.
To be the frst to learn about how she will strengthen our
economy with her Texas First: Water and Roads Plan, sign
up at www.leticiavandeputte.com/Infrastructure.
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