Parker appointed to committee charged with growing manufacturing base

State Representative Tan Parker Wednesday announced that the House Speaker has appointed him to the Interim Committee on Manufacturing, which was created in order for state lawmakers to closely study and make recommendations on how to strengthen Texas’s manufacturing sector. 

Parker’s appointment comes after four years of advocating on behalf of legislative changes designed to foster Texas’s manufacturing industry.

“I am pleased to be selected to serve on this important committee,” Parker stated.  “With every dollar of manufacturing products sold creating an additional $1.40 in economic activity, reviving this critical industry is so important to our overall recovery from this global economic downturn.  It is imperative that state lawmakers put the policies in place to bring about a manufacturing renaissance in Texas, and I am honored to be a part of that process.”

Manufacturing is a $192 billion industry in Texas, accounting for 15 percent of the gross state product. 

The Interim Committee on Manufacturing will compile and summarize recommendations for significantly improving the state’s manufacturing capability while also determining how their recommendations will impact Texas’s overall business growth and retention.  The committee is charged with submitting a report on their findings and drafts of legislation necessary to implement their recommendations prior to the start of the 83rd Legislative Session.

Parker has previously attempted to create workforce development incentive programs for new manufacturing projects that chose Texas as their home.  He is planning to introduce similar legislation next session and is confident that the work of this committee will underscore the need to incentivize new manufacturing growth in Texas.  

Initially elected on November 7th of 2006, Representative Parker represents both rural and urban parts of Denton County which encompasses the cities of Flower Mound, Highland Village, Pilot Point, Argyle, Aubrey, Dish, Krugerville, Sanger, Cross Roads, Krum, Ponder, Justin, Lantana, Northlake, Copper Canyon, Double Oak, Bartonville, Trophy Club, Roanoke and portions of Lewisville, Fort Worth and Southlake. 

Serving in his third term in the Texas Legislature, Representative Parker is focusing his efforts on economic development, job creation, strengthening border security and immigration policy, promoting fiscally responsible government spending, providing a strong public education system and protecting family values. Parker is the current Vice Chairman of the Rules and Resolutions Committee.  He also serves on the Corrections and Urban Affairs Committees.