[JavaBatman]

Lower taxes, great food, more open space, less expensive property, more freedom to do what you want as long as you don't hurt others. The only problem with Texas is that the economy is too dependent on fossil fuel. It's basically a mini petro state. They need to use that oil money to diversify into other industries. I'm not sure if they have been doing that or not, but I don't exactly have faith that the political class is thinking about long-term plans or goals. They only care about fundraising and the next election.

[abernard1]

"the oil and gas industry is responsible for 10 percent of the Texas gross domestic product, down from 21 percent in 1981."

https://www.star-telegram.com/news/business/article253429364...

[JavaBatman]

Thanks, I stand corrected. Looks like they are in fact diversifying their economy. Good on them.

[rossdavidh]

Here's an Australian economist's survey of that process, in case you're interested:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3Z1urH2OhQ

[howinteresting]

Pretty sure the Texas political class is thinking about their long-term plans to usher in a new era of Christofascism, starting with the bounty hunter abortion law.

[dylan604]

Oh it started well before that specific law. This just made its way to the finish line. They have been trying things like this for a long time. Infamous bathroom bill comes to mind, plus voting rights issues, etc have long been a part of the Texas political agenda.