AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- With lawmakers on the cusp of figuring out what to do with a record-setting budget surplus, Gov. Greg Abbott gave his third inaugural address Tuesday morning - giving a glimpse of his priorities for the 88th Legislature.
Abbott and Lt. Gov Dan Patrick were both sworn in for their third terms in a ceremony on the north steps of the Capitol, with both men first elected in 2014.
Much of Abbott's address was centered on the state song, "Texas our Texas", which Abbott said "glorifies the exceptionalism of our state."
Last week, lawmakers learned they would have a $32.7 billion budget surplus to work with. Abbott echoed a campaign promise, saying state leaders would use the surplus to "provide the largest property tax cut in Texas history."
Abbott also highlighted the state's economic growth. "The gas you put in your truck, the jeans you wear, the steak you eat for dinner, all of it is made in Texas. In fact, ‘Made in Texas’ is the mightiest brand in America," Abbott said.
State leaders will also focus on continued improvements to the state's power grid. Abbott highlighted 14 laws passed by the previous legislature, noting that while the state has set new records for power generation in the past year, "no Texan has lost power because of our grid."
School safety is also expected to be a focus for lawmakers, following last May's deadly mass shooting at a Uvalde elementary school. “We will not end this session without making our schools safer,” Abbott said.