Reopening NAFTA? Hegar supports renegotiation

HARLINGEN — State Comptroller Glenn Hegar is standing firm behind the North American Free Trade Agreement.

But he is open to renegotiating the 1994 trade pact between the United States, Mexico and Canada, Hegar told area leaders yesterday at the Harlingen Chamber of Commerce’s Public Affairs Luncheon at Casa de Amistad.

“We’ve got to maintain free trade,” Hegar said. “It’s absolutely critical.”

President Donald Trump has decided to reopen the agreement.

If the U.S. ends up withdrawing, as Trump has threatened, it could result in Mexico imposing a retaliatory tariff on the U.S. and pivoting to Canadian suppliers.

“NAFTA’s free trade has been significant for this state. A large portion of the driver is international trade,” Hegar said, responding to questions from the audience of about 145 yesterday afternoon.

“The absolute tearing up with NAFTA is not good for the state or the nation but renegotiation is good,” he said. “It’s always good to have those discussions.”

Hegar stood along side a sign recognizing Cardone Industries, which co-sponsored the event.

Hegar praised the city’s partnership with Cardone Industries, whose decision to expand its operations in Harlingen will boost its number of new jobs from 550 to as many as 750 with a new $50 million distribution center.

“The number of jobs you’re bringing in the next few years is significant,” Hegar said. “It’s the demographics, the work force.”

Manufacturing continues to help drive the state’s $1.7 trillion economy, the 10th largest in the world, outpacing Russia, Hegar said.

Last month, he said, the state created 71,000 new jobs, its best month in more than two years.

While Hurricane Harvey devastated much of the state, the storm’s $1.5 billion impact drove a small dent in the state’s $108 billion annual budget, Hegar said.

State Rep. Eddie Lucio III, D-Brownsville, a guest speaker, called Hegar “the epitome of what a public servant should be. He gives you the time you need to discuss your issues.”

Like Hegar, Lucio praised the city’s partner-ship with Cardone.

“You’re so effective in advocating what you need for this region,” Lucio told city leaders. “Our challenges in government will continue to be great but not insurmountable especially in a community that expresses itself like you.”

With the help of educational centers such as Texas State Technical College, residents can reach for technical training leading to licenses and certifications, Lucio said.

Lucio said 3,000 jobs are available for every 1,000 job hunters with licenses or certificates.

State Rep. Oscar Longoria, D-Mission, another guest speaker, also praised the city’s leaders days after Cardone announced its expansion.

“I think the city of Harlingen and the (Economic Development Corporation) do a phenomenal job of seeing what the needs are and working with the stakeholders,” Longoria said. “That’s why this area has continued to grow as it has.”