With five days left in office, Gov. Rick Perry, the longest-serving governor in Texas history, delivered a farewell speech Thursday before a joint session of the Legislature.

Perry credited the private sector for the state’s economic success and job creation. Since 2007, 1.4 million jobs were created in Texas while the overall number jobs decreased throughout the country, according to Perry.

“I have been guided by a simple philosophy: that job creation, not higher taxation, is the best form of revenue generation,” Perry said.

While Perry said economic growth was his focus as governor, he acknowledged a need for improvement in other state policies in order for Texas to remain successful.

“In some ways, [job creation] has brought challenges to our state, straining our water resources, crowding our freeways, stressing our power grid,” Perry said. “In recent years we have taken action to protect our water supply and expand roadways.”

In his closing remarks, Perry said he is confident in the leadership of Gov.-elect Greg Abbott, incoming Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Speaker Joe Straus.

“I leave you with this: Be true to Texas, always, and she will be good to you,” Perry said.