“Crafting this budget entailed a long day on the House floor and a lot of teamwork,” Parker said. “In the end I am proud of the state budget that my colleagues and I have put forward. I believe that this two-year spending plan reflects Texas’ priorities by not raising taxes and investing heavily in education. We have also extended mental health services to another 6,300 Texans, delivered a pay increase to our state law enforcement officers and strengthened our public pensions.”

When committee assignments were released at the end of January, I was honored to be selected as Chair of the Corrections Committee. In the two months since, I have taken in a wealth of information on our criminal justice system. Our system, which is one of the largest in the world, currently employees more than 37,000 individuals, has an annual budget of $3.1 billion, houses over 150,000 incarcerated offenders in 111 correctional facilities and supervises more than 87,000 offenders under active parole

Parker – a Flower Mound Republican who’s serving his fourth term in the House – initiated the Ukrainians fact-finding trip to Texas when he was in their country on private business in June. Parker makes a living making deals in the private equity business when he’s not on the public clock as a lawmaker. But he doesn’t just measure success in dollar signs. Parker sees the relations that he’s forged with the Ukrainians as an opportunity for economic collaboration that can be mutually beneficial and a step toward global security as well.

“The sole purpose of this is to promote investment in Texas,” Parker said. “We want to expand economic opportunities for Texas and Ukraine. We do work out there, and they do work out here. Continued investment will only help our economies.”

The House Manufacturing Committee report emphasized the need to develop creative solutions to our skilled workforce shortfall. In that light, I will be introducing legislation this session that will give the manufacturing industry more direct control over how the state utilizes our educational resources.

“It is a tremendous honor to lead the work of the Corrections Committee for the 83rd Legislative Session,” Parker stated. “I am committed to putting forward thoughtful work in managing the committee and advancing legislation that will empower our correctional system to operate more effectively and efficiently.”

Over the last six years, Texas has cut taxes, balanced budgets by reducing state spending, fostered a strong economic climate, put forth pro-job growth policies, safeguarded election integrity, and strengthened Texas’s commitment to the life of unborn children, among other victories. Yet, much work still remains to keep Texas the envy of our nation. I like to call it the road left to travel, and collectively this will be the focus of the upcoming legislative session.

“I am deeply honored to be here for another term and to have my district’s faith in my service,” Parker stated with his wife and two daughters at his side. “Today was a very special day for my family and I, and I am eager and excited to spend the next 139 days addressing the critical issues facing this great state.”

In keeping with his six year standard, Representative Tan Parker announced the temporary conclusion of his first Saturday coffee gathering with constituents, coinciding with the start of the 83rd Legislative Session.

As I sit and reflect on what we have accomplished for this state in just six short years, it makes me proud of the path Texas is on and optimistic about our ability to continue to effectively address critical issues facing this state. While I understand that there is still much to be done, which I will cover in my editorial next month, allow me to share with you a few highlights of what has been done in Texas in recent years.