White House 2012 panel. Photo courtesy of the Daily Trojan.

A panel of experts from USC Annenberg’s Center on Communication Leadership & Policy told students at the "White House 2012: Politics, Media and Technology" discussion they should not move to Texas in search of jobs. CCLP Senior Fellow Narda Zacchino, communication professor and Truthdig Editor Robert Scheer and CCLP director/University Professor and moderator Geoffrey Cowan said Texas Gov. Rick Perry's potential to be the GOP presidential candidate has increased comparisons between Texas' and California's economies. “Texas, with its lower unemployment rate and job growth, appears to be in better economic shape,” Zacchino said. “A closer examination of the facts renders a mixed verdict on the success and failings of both states.” Although California's unemployment rate is higher than Texas', the jobs in California are better quality and higher paying, they said. “The critical thing is what kind of job you are looking for,” Sheer said. “The jobs that have been created in Texas are largely in minimum wage or below minimum wage. Can you support a family? Can you lift them out of poverty? No. Texas does not provide a model. California gives a better education system and [venture capital] business. What really is at issue right now is the American dream, and the American dream is based off of good jobs.” There are some benefits to starting a business in Texas: no income tax, no corporate tax on capital gains and less regulation than in California; but as Sheer said, where you start your job search or business depends on what kind of career you want to pursue. Read the Daily Trojan article on this panel here.