State Rep. Tan Parker today called upon Gov. Rick Perry to call a third Special Session so that state lawmakers can continue to work on finding additional funding for the construction and maintenance of non-tolled highways and freeways in Texas.
Previous attempts to increase road funding ran out of time during the 30 day windows of the recent special sessions, but the issue remains one of great importance to Texas’s continued prosperity.
“Transportation infrastructure is one of the legs supporting the stool that our state economy and individual quality of life sits upon,” said Parker. “I am confident that state lawmakers are close to an agreement on this topic and I call upon my friend, Governor Rick Perry, to reconvene the legislature at an appropriate time in order to keep working on this issue that affects so many North Texans. It has certainly been a long summer coming off the heels of a long regular session, but I am committed to seeing this necessary funding fix through to completion.”
The Flower Mound lawmaker voted against the recent plan that was not adopted by the Texas House of Representatives, but he reiterated that he is dedicated to finding additional funding for road construction and maintenance in Texas without jeopardizing the state’s other fiscal responsibilities. He voted favorably for a different funding proposal in the first called special session that unfortunately died on the last day at the hands of a democrat filibuster in the Texas Senate.
“While I did not support the most recent proposal considered in the Texas House, my commitment to a robust highway infrastructure that reduces congestion has not wavered. Even though state lawmakers have differed in how we reach that goal, I know we can work through those differences and that we can complete our task of better roads in another special session.”
Only the Governor of Texas can call state lawmakers into a special session, where they can only consider issues that the Governor places on the agenda. A passionate advocate for increased road funding himself, Governor Perry has hinted on many occasions that he would call a third special session on this topic if necessary.
Initially elected on November 7th of 2006, Representative Parker represents both rural and urban parts of Denton County which encompasses the communities of Flower Mound, Argyle, Lantana, Dish, Ponder, Justin, Northlake, Copper Canyon, Double Oak, Bartonville, Trophy Club, Roanoke and portions of Lewisville, Fort Worth, Highland Village, Westlake and Southlake.
Serving in his 4th 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, enhancing public safety and protecting family values. Representative Parker is the current Chairman of the Corrections Committee. He also serves on the Land and Resource Management Committee and the Criminal Procedure Committee.
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