Abbott says focus will be on keeping Texas a place of opportunity

Governor Greg Abbott, left, and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, right, acknowledge supporters after the Texas Inaugural Parade in Austin on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2015. Governor Greg Abbott, left, and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, right, acknowledge supporters after the Texas Inaugural Parade in Austin on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2015. Photo: Lisa Krantz, San Antonio Express-News Photo: Lisa Krantz, San Antonio Express-News Image 1 of / 113 Caption Close Abbott says focus will be on keeping Texas a place of opportunity 1 / 113 Back to Gallery

AUSTIN – Greg Abbott invoked the grace of God, the drive of Texans and his determination to keep fighting Washington Tuesday as he became the state's first new governor in 14 years.

Abbott, who has used a wheelchair since breaking his back in an accident as a young man, traced his journey to demonstrate how "the improbable becomes the possible."

"Let's face it, this moment was highly improbable. During this month 30 years ago I laid in a hospital bed recovering from injuries that broke my back and left me forever unable to walk," said Abbott, 57, who was sworn in by Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan Hecht.

Abbott acknowledged his wife, Cecilia, emphasizing – as he often has - that she is making history as Texas' first Hispanic first lady.

"We have been the blending of cultures from across the globe even before we became our own nation," Abbott said, pointing to his wife as representing that cultural mix.

He also recognized their daughter, Audrey, his brother; Gary; and his in-laws – with a special reference to Cecilia Abbott's mother, who starred in one of his campaign ads, calling her, "perhaps the most famous mother-in-law in Texas, mi madrina, Maria de la luz Segura Phalen."

His own mother, Abbott said, now "is in heaven with my dad," who died when he was young.

Abbott said his journey from his hospital bed as a young man to governor was possible because of God's grace and his "good fortune to live in the great State of Texas." He said his focus will be on ensuring that Texas remains a place of opportunity.

Abbott cited more help for traffic and water problems, education for children who are falling behind, efforts to provide a skilled workforce and assistance for "our veterans who return broken from battle."

"And we must do more for the millions of Texans who are tired of seeing our state sovereignty and the rule of law ignored by a federal government that refuses to secure our border," said Abbott, who as attorney general made his mark suing the federal government.

"As governor I will continue my legacy of pushing back against Washington if they spend too much, regulate too much, or violate our state sovereignty," Abbott said. "Any government that uses the guise of fairness to rob us of our freedom will get a uniquely Texan response: 'come and take it.'"

Regarding his Texas agenda, Abbott said he will ensure that Texas stays No. 1 for job creation, while acknowledging those who live on the fringe of opportunity – those in broken homes and trying to learn in "broken schools."

Abbott cited the importance of "great teachers," recognizing his own English teacher at Duncanville High School, Nancy Nickel.

Abbott said it is important that Texas use its perseverance and character to excel, not only for its sake, but for a larger stage.

"We must seek higher ground that will continue to elevate Texas even more, not just as a leader in this nation, but as a leader in this world," he said. "Because as goes Texas, so goes America, and as goes America, so goes the world."