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Education Initiatives
In 2005, the Texas Legislature established the Texas
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
(T-STEM) Initiative. Modeled on national STEM
programs, T-STEM focuses on educating and graduating
more Texas students in STEM fields critical for
maintaining a skilled and competitive state workforce.
T-STEM is part of the Texas High School Project and
aims to more closely align high school curriculums
with admission requirements for competitive colleges.
Under the initiative, 51 T-STEM academies have been
created, serving approximately 15,000 students
annually. The Legislature most recently reauthorized
the program in 2011.
Electronic Arts Expands in Austin
In January 2012, video game publisher Electronic
Arts (EA) opened its new EA Sports division offices
in Austin, Texas. EA’s expansion
was initially announced
by Gov. Rick Perry in July 2011.
EA already employed approximately
450 in Austin at the
time of the announcement,
and the expansion is expected
to create an additional 300
direct and contract positions.
Based in California, EA is a
leading interactive entertainment
software company that
develops and distributes its
products worldwide.
Frank Gibeau, President of EA,
praised Texas Governor Rick
Perry's role in recruiting EA to
the state, saying Perry "really
understands our industry and
wants it to be a key part of the
Texas economy."
EA will seek financial incentives
from the Texas Film
Tax Legislation
OVERVIEW
In June 2011, Gov. Rick Perry signed Texas House
Bill 1841, which improved the Texas business climate
for hosting and data center companies. The bill
states that an individual or business whose only
activity in the state is Internet hosting is not “engaged
in business” in the state and therefore does not have to
collect Texas sales and use taxes from customers. The
bill reversed a 2010 rule change made by the Texas
Comptroller of Public Accounts, which said that
renting a space on a server in Texas effectively
established a business presence in the state.
Commission as part of its expansion deal.
Separately, EA also operates a branch of its Bioware
video game development division in Austin.
Texas Governor Rick Perry, EA President Frank Gibeau, and EA Sports COO Daryl Holt
at July 2011 announcement event in Austin
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