Gov. Greg Abbott signed legislation on Wednesday to create a government entity similar to the federal Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. The Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office’s mission will be similar to its federal counterpart: to eliminate what some state leaders characterize as waste, fraud and corruption in government. But instead of reducing government agencies themselves like DOGE has, the state office aims to eliminate red tape for businesses.

Abbott touted Texas’ business-friendly environment and growing economy at the bill signing ceremony. But he said there is still room to improve, citing a study by George Mason University that found that Texas regulates businesses more than most states.

Abbott said the new office will recalibrate “government in the state of Texas by making it more responsible, more responsive, less costly and more efficient.”

  • talEnglish
    4·
    1 day ago

    Musk said that he couldn’t stop spending time on the federal DOGE less than at least a day a week, because without him, America might go down:

    It’s at least with that in mind that Musk also announced on the earnings call his intention to return and focus more of his time with Tesla again, though Musk argued that this work was necessary to keep Tesla in business.

    “I think the right thing to do is fight the waste and fraud and try to get the country back on the right track,” said Musk on the earnings call, per CNN. “If the ship of America goes down, Tesla will go with it.”

    Look, Musk, the state of Texas, where all of X, Tesla, and SpaceX are headquartered, is crying out for your help. Only you can save Texas now, Musk. But to do so, you’d have to spend less time on the federal government. These are the times when terrible decisions must be made, with resources in gravely short supply.