Texas has been long known for trying to from other countries and states around the U.S. Now, the state of New York is . They鈥檙e running ads nationwide, including Texas media channels 鈥� like in Austin.
The ad references historical social movements involving the Empire State, its role in ending slavery, women's suffrage and more.
鈥淔or hundreds of years, New York State has stood as a beacon 鈥� a beacon to welcome those unwelcome in other places,鈥� a woman in the ad says. 鈥漀ew York State has always been at the forefront and now continues to be, with the recent battle for LGBT rights. Here we open doors for fairness, equality and respectable treatment for those who could not find it elsewhere.鈥�
The commercial goes on to include the headlines 鈥� 鈥� and 鈥� 鈥�
, political science professor at the , says one role of governors has been that of an economic cheerleader. Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry did it, and Gov. Greg Abbott is doing the same.
"The governors want to hunt where the ducks are,鈥� Rottinghaus says. 鈥淭hey want to try to pull business in. ... But sometimes a cheerleader isn鈥檛 the most popular figure in school.鈥�
In a move to paint Texas in a better light, Abbott had some choice words for New York鈥檚 campaign 鈥� pointing out that the state has also led the country in several movements that weren鈥檛 that great.
It omits how NY led way in taxes, regulations, union abuses, high living costs & how New Yorkers are fleeing to TX
鈥� Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX)
鈥淭his is one of those moments where you've got business thinking of moving to Texas, but they consider not only the social issues but also the economic issues,鈥� Rottinghaus says. 鈥淭his is part of a bigger package of things that these business look to when they're thinking of moving."
Social issues are also becoming increasingly important for employees and employers to consider when thinking about jobs, Rottinghaus says.
"Employees want to work at a place that shares their values,鈥� he says. 鈥淭his is more than just jeans on Friday and catered lunches."
Texas might look welcome from an economic perspective, Rottinghaus says, but as other states follow this model, businesses may think twice at Texas鈥� sharp-elbow politics.
For example, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick recently asked a federal court to on President Barack Obama鈥檚 directive to allow children who are transgender to in public schools. Rottinghaus says this is partly to pivot attention away from Patrick's own political troubles, as well as a way to push the issue in an election year and make additional headway in advance of the 2017 legislative session.
Post by Beth Cortez-Neavel.
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