The News Connection

While attending a recent Flower Mound Chamber of Commerce luncheon, Michael Quinn Sullivan, President of Texans for Fiscal Responsibility (TFR), presented State Representative Tan Parker with The Heroes and Champions Award. Parker was bestowed this honor by TFR, Texas' leading taxpayer advocacy organization, because of his strong support for a state budget that responsibly limited the growth of spending while reducing business taxes, and his opposition to legislation that would have increased government spending and raised taxes. President Sullivan of TFR stated, "State Rep. Tan Parker is one of the true leaders in the Legislature seeking to ensure a strong, vibrant Texas economy. He works diligently to keep the burden of government low and the return to the taxpayers high, by ensuring that state government is transparent and accountable to the taxpayers. Texas taxpayers need more champions like Tan Parker working for us in the House.”

The Texas lawmaker has won TFR's Heroes and Champions Award during each of his terms in office. When asked about his approach toward state economic policies, Parker answered, “The key to a robust economy that produces attractive job opportunities for our workforce starts in the State Legislature with a sound spending plan that keeps taxes low for both consumers and businesses." Currently, Texas is one of just eight states in the nation not having to meet the challenges of facing a budget deficit, which analysts attribute to Texas' responsible spending approach. Parker concluded by saying, "While other states are having to raise taxes to meet budget shortfalls during our nation's economic downturn, Texas was able to reduce business taxes, expand our state's sales tax holiday and still meet our budgetary responsibilities. This approach has kept our state's economy strong, and I look forward to continuing our tradition of fiscal conservatism for many years to come."

Initially elected on November 7, 2006, 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