Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX and X, has announced that he will be relocating his companies from California to Texas, citing the state’s more welcoming environment for businesses and individuals. The decision comes after California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill prohibiting schools from notifying parents when their child begins identifying as transgender.
Musk, who has been vocal about his concerns over the bill, stated that the move was a “no-brainer” and that Texas was a more “business-friendly” state. He also praised the state’s governor, Greg Abbott, for his support of the space exploration industry.
The move is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the state of Texas, including the creation of new jobs and investment in the tech sector. The headquarters of SpaceX will be relocated from Hawthorne, California to Starbase in Texas, while the main offices of X will move from San Francisco to Austin, Texas.
California State Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher reacted to the news by criticizing Newsom’s “anti-parent agenda” and the damage it has caused to the state’s economy. He stated that the move was a result of the governor’s refusal to protect jobs and his pandering to extremists in his party.
The move is seen as a major blow to California’s economy and a victory for the pro-business and pro-family values of Texas. It is also a sign that some businesses are willing to leave states with restrictive policies and regulations behind in favor of more welcoming environments.