Texas Department of Criminal Justice Strategic Plan: Fiscal Years 2011-2015 Page: 1

                                
Vision for Texas State Government
As we begin this next round in our strategic
planning process, we must critically reexamine
the role of state government by identifying the
core programs and activities necessary for the
long-term economic health of our state, while
eliminating outdated and inefficient functions.
We must set clear priorities that will help
maintain our position as a national leader now
and in the future by:
A Ensuring the economic competitiveness of our
state by adhering to principles of fiscal
discipline, setting clear budget priorities,
living within our means, and limiting the
growth of government;
A  Investing  in  critical water, energy  and
transportation infrastructure needs to meet the
demands of our rapidly growing state;
* Ensuring excellence and accountability in
public schools and institutions of higher
education as we invest in the future of this
state and ensure Texans are prepared to
compete in the global marketplace;
A  Defending  Texans by    safeguarding  our
neighborhoods and protecting our international
border; and
* Increasing transparency and efficiency at all
levels of government to guard against waste,
fraud and abuse, ensuring that Texas taxpayers
keep more of their hard-earned money to keep
our economy and our families strong.
I am confident we can address the priorities of
our citizens with the limited   government
principles and responsible governance they
demand. I know you share my commitment to
ensuring that this state continues to shine as a
bright star for opportunity and prosperity for all
Texans.    I appreciate your dedication to
excellence in public service and look forward to
working with all of you as we continue charting
a strong course for our great state.
RICK PERRY, Governor
Mission of Texas State Government
Texas state government must be limited,
efficient, and completely accountable. It should
foster opportunity and economic prosperity,
focus on critical priorities, and support the

creation of strong family environments for our
children. The stewards of the public trust must
be men and women who administer state
government in a fair, just, and responsible
manner. To honor the public trust, state officials
must seek new and innovative ways to meet
state  government priorities  in  a  fiscally
responsible manner.
Aim high...we are not here to achieve
inconsequential things!
Philosophy of Texas State
Government
The task before all state public servants is to
govern in a manner worthy of this great state.
We are a great enterprise, and as an enterprise,
we will promote the following core principles:
"   First and foremost, Texas matters most. This
is the overarching, guiding principle by which
we will make decisions. Our state, and its
future, is more important than party, politics,
or individual recognition.
" Government should be limited in size and
mission, but it must be highly effective in
performing the tasks it undertakes.
"   Decisions affecting individual Texans, in most
instances, are best made by those individuals,
their families, and the local governments
closest to their communities.
"   Competition is the greatest incentive for
achievement and excellence.   It inspires
ingenuity and requires individuals to set their
sights high.  Just as competition inspires
excellence, a sense of personal responsibility
drives individual citizens to do more for their
future and the future of those they love.
" Public administration must be open and
honest, pursuing the high road rather than the
expedient course. We must be accountable to
taxpayers for our actions.
"   State government has a responsibility to
safeguard taxpayer dollars by eliminating
waste and abuse and providing efficient and
honest government.
"   Finally, state government should be humble,
recognizing that all its power and authority is
granted to it by the people of Texas, and those
who make decisions wielding the power of the
state should exercise their authority cautiously
and fairly.

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