Rick Perry Governor of Texas Date of Birth: 04.03.1950 Country: USA

1. Biography of Rick Perry
2. Early Life and Military Service
3. Political Career
4. Advocacy and Controversies
5. Appointment as Secretary of Energy

Biography of Rick Perry

Rick Perry, the 47th Governor of the State of Texas, is known in the United States as a critic of excessive federal taxation. He relentlessly accuses Washington authorities of "despotism". The governor advocates for the rights of Texas and other states to independently shape their economic and political course.

Early Life and Military Service

James Richard "Rick" Perry was born on March 4, 1950, in Paint Creek, Texas. He spent his childhood on his parents' ranch. From 1972 to 1977, Perry served in the United States Air Force, participating in American military operations in Europe and the Middle East. He returned to Texas in 1978 as a captain.

Political Career

Rick Perry's political career began in 1985 when he was elected to the Texas House of Representatives. In 1989, he became a member of the Republican Party. From 1991 to 1997, Perry served as the Texas Commissioner of Agriculture. In 1998, he became the Lieutenant Governor of Texas. In 2000, Perry succeeded George W. Bush as the Governor of Texas when Bush became the President of the United States. Perry is currently serving his second term as governor.

Advocacy and Controversies

During his time as governor, Rick Perry gained fame for his statements in which he proclaimed the expansion of state rights, including the possibility of secession from the United States. This was prompted by the increase in tax rates in 2009. Perry called on the White House to reconsider its policy of taxing the states. Otherwise, he threatened that Texas would unilaterally withdraw from the United States.

In March 2009, Perry refused $550 million that the federal budget had allocated to Texas for unemployment benefits. The governor justified his decision by stating that the terms on which the money was allocated were detrimental to the state's businesses. He believed that the federal government had become repressive due to its size, intrusion into the lives of its citizens, and interference in the affairs of the state.

Appointment as Secretary of Energy

In December 13, 2016, Rick Perry was nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as the Secretary of Energy.

Rick Perry has already announced his intention to run for a third term as governor in 2010.