Flower Mound, TX - Today Representative Tan Parker filed the necessary paperwork to run for a second term in the Texas Legislature as the State Representative for House District 63.

“It has and continues to be the highest privilege to represent Denton County residents in the Texas Legislature,” Parker stated. “I now look forward to going back to the voters and winning their approval for a second term as their State Representative.”

Enclosed entirely in Denton County, House District 63 includes the towns of Flower Mound, Lewisville, Highland Village, Pilot Point, Argyle, Aubrey, Krugerville, Sanger, Cross Roads, Krum, Ponder, Justin, Northlake, Copper Canyon, Double Oak, Bartonville, Trophy Club, and Roanoke.

By Chris Roark, Staff Writer
The Flower Mound Leader

Texas Representative Tan Parker, R-District 63, said illegal immigration is the top concern in Texas right now, and at Tuesday’s town hall meeting at the Flower Mound Public Library, the issue dominated the conversation.

About 35 people attended Parker’s meeting where he discussed accomplishments during the last legislature and goals for the upcoming session.

Illegal immigration was the most-discussed topic, and Parker and his staff highlighted the discussion with a nine-point plan of how to curb the growing numbers.

(Austin) - On Friday, September 28th, Speaker Tom Craddick (R - Midland) appointed Rep. Tan Parker (R - Flower Mound) as joint presiding officer of the Health and Human Services Eligibility System Legislative Oversight Committee.

"Health and Human Services issues were at the forefront of the debate during the last session, and the 80th Legislature made some major strides to improve our health care system in Texas," Speaker Tom Craddick said. "Nevertheless, there is always more that can be done, and it is imperative that we ensure the efficiency and functionality of our eligibility system. Rep. Parker showed great leadership on the Human Services Committee, as well as a subcommittee on integrated eligibility, and I am pleased to appoint him as joint presiding officer of this oversight committee."

Austin, TX – Last Week the Texas House of Representatives unanimously passed Senate Bill 410, authored by Senator Chris Harris (R-Arlington). The bill, which was sponsored in the House by Representative Tan Parker, will allow municipalities who share lake borders to enter into cooperative agreements for improving safety on Texas lakes.

"Texas lakes are some of our most precious assets that we should all be able to enjoy," Harris commented. "Unfortunately there are some out there that abuse the liberties. My goal with this legislation was to provide cities that border lakes, with the tools to assist each other in enforcing our laws that will keep the lakes safe. I was proud, with the assistance of Representative Parker and Tim Lindt, to work towards solutions to many of the issues facing the state with regards to lake safety. I hope that this legislation will help provide a more peaceful and enjoyable experience for all that enjoy our Texas Lakes."

Denton County Law Enforcement Leaders Laud Parker's Initiative

Austin, TX � On Wednesday, the Texas House of Representatives unanimously passed Rep. Tan Parker's House Bill 2656. The bill, supported by law enforcement leaders, calls for an identifying emblem to be placed on the driver's license of sex offenders whose victims were younger than 14 years of age.

Parker stated, "Jessica's law certainly deals with the appropriate punishment of repeat offenders, but we should also work to prevent those repeat offenses before they occur. That is why I am proud that my colleagues have seen the value in passing HB 2656 so that we can more easily identify child predators."

Bill designed to prevent voter fraud by requiring citizenship to vote

Austin, TX � Yesterday, The House of Representatives passed legislation requiring that those who wish to register to vote in Texas must first have their citizenship verified. Rep. Tan Parker served as a co-author of the bill.

"I am proud to have supported legislation which safeguards the integrity of the election process," Parker explained. "To me, nothing is more sacred to Americans than the right to vote, and this bill will ensure that only the votes of U.S. citizens are counted."

Flower Mound Lawmaker's Legislation Targets Child Predators.

Austin, TX � � Rep. Tan Parker's legislation to improve tracking of sexual offenders cleared an important hurdle last Friday when House Bill 2656 was voted out of the House Committee on State Affairs. The bill, authored by Representative Tan Parker and supported by law enforcement leaders calls for an identifying emblem to be placed on the driver's license of sex offenders whose victims were younger than 14 years of age. Currently four other states place identifying marks on the driver's license of certain sex offenders: Alabama, Delaware, Kansas, and Utah. Parker wants to see Texas become the fifth.

Austin, TX – Early Friday morning, the Texas House of Representatives passed House Bill 1 (HB 1), the Appropriations Bill for the 2008-2009 biennium. HB 1 presents a fiscally conservative and responsible budget that funds the state's responsibilities while saving revenue for future appropriations.

The budget totals just over $150 billion, an increase of only 5.4 percent from the previous biennium. Compared to the state's population growth and the rate of inflation since that time, this increase represents a fiscally conservative use of taxpayers' money.

"This budget reflects strong fiscally responsible principals," Parker added. "I am proud to have been a part of this budget adoption process, and am grateful for the leadership displayed by Speaker Tom Craddick, Appropriations Chairman Warren Chisum, and the members of the Appropriations Committee."