The Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute (TCCRI) announced their task force assignments and named Texas State Rep. Tan Parker as the Co-Chair of the Economic and Workforce Development Task Force.  Each task force will be chaired by a senator and a state representative, joining Representative Parker as co-chair is fellow Denton County lawmaker, Senator Craig Estes. In accepting the appointment, Parker stated, "I am honored to be joining Senator Estes in co-chairing this very important task force.  Currently, Texas is the beacon of light in our nation's economy and I look forward to spending this interim, researching economic development policy proposals that will further enhance our state's economy and expand on our skilled workforce."

     The Economic and Workforce Development Task Force will primarily review Texas' economic climate and business tax structure, while making recommendations to enhance Texas' competitiveness and creating a robust job market.  Studying initiatives to improve upon Texas' high school graduation rate will also be a key focus point of the task force.  In selecting Parker as co-chair, the TCCRI drew heavily on his experience as the former Chair of the Texas Industrial Development Corporation and the current Vice-Chairman of the House Committee on Technology, Economic Development and Workforce. As Parker noted, Texas' unemployment rate is a full two points below the national average, more Fortune 500 companies call Texas home than any other state, Texas has the seventh most favorable business tax climate and Texas created more jobs in 2008 than the rest of the nation combined, but that does not mean there isn't significant room for improvement.

     Parker concluded by saying, "With so many other states struggling financially and driving businesses from their borders with high taxes and onerous regulations, Texas has a unique opportunity to enact new policy that will attract new business activity and job opportunities to Texas.  I look forward to continuing to assert that Texas is open for business!" Initially elected on November 7th of 2006, Representative Parker represents both rural and urban parts of Denton County which encompass the cities of Flower Mound, Highland Village, Pilot Point, Argyle, Aubrey, Krugerville, Sanger, Cross Roads, Krum, Ponder, Justin, Northlake, Copper Canyon, Double Oak, Bartonville, Trophy Club, Roanoke and portions of Lewisville and Southlake. Serving his second term in the Texas Legislature, Representative Parker is focusing his efforts on economic development, job creation, further property tax relief, appraisal reform, strengthening border security and immigration policy, promoting fiscally responsible government spending and protecting family values.  Parker is the current Vice Chairman of the Technology, Economic Development and Workforce Committee.  He also serves on the Pensions, Investments and Financial Services Committee and the Select Committee on Oversight of Health and Human Services Eligibility Systems.

- Special to The News Connection