On July 4, fireworks will illuminate the skies and patriotic songs will echo across our communities as Americans gather to celebrate our Nation’s 249th birthday.  Independence Day is more than just a summer tradition.  It is a sacred reminder of the gift of liberty and the extraordinary courage of those who secured it.

Nearly two and a half centuries ago, a group of bold visionaries placed their trust in God and charted a new course for humanity. Our Founding Fathers risked everything to establish a Nation built not on power or privilege, but on enduring principles – unalienable rights granted by our Creator, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Their wisdom and conviction gave rise to the greatest democracy the world has ever known.

As we reflect on that historic moment, let us never lose sight of what they accomplished. A nation conceived in liberty, secured through sacrifice, and entrusted to each generation with the solemn hope that it would be cherished and protected.

Freedom is not guaranteed. It must be nurtured, safeguarded, and passed on with great care. Our veterans and service members remind us of this truth each and every day. The price of our liberty has been paid by courage, sacrifice, and the unwavering belief that America is worth defending.

Our history also shows that the American spirit rises in moments of challenge. We are a people forged in resilience and a land where ordinary citizens achieve the extraordinary. From the patriots who took up arms at Lexington and Concord to today’s men and women in uniform standing watch across the world, we are the heirs to a legacy of uncommon valor.

Yet today, amid deepening division, some have lost sight of our shared purpose. We cannot allow that to continue.  We must teach our children not just the dates and facts of history, but the ideals and character behind it.  Now more than ever, we must hold fast to the principles that built this nation – and have sustained it through war, hardship, and trial.

As President Ronald Reagan so wisely said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.” That truth calls us to vigilance. To speak out when liberty is threatened and to stand firm in the face of efforts to erode the very principles that make America exceptional.

America’s greatness is not found in government, but in the strength of her people.  It is found in families bound by love, communities rooted in faith, and everyday Americans who give their best to build something better for the next generation. That is the spirit we celebrate on Independence Day.

Across Texas – and especially throughout Senate District 12 – I see that spirit alive and well. Neighbors will gather to celebrate and recommit to the ideals that unite us. Let this Fourth of July be a time for gratitude as we cherish the blessings we enjoy, the heroes who came before us, and the enduring promise of a brighter future for America.

My prayer is that we never take our freedom for granted. That we speak of it often, defend it boldly, and live it with purpose. In doing so, we honor our Founders, our veterans, and the very heart of a free and prosperous America.

May God bless you and your family this Independence Day, and may He continue to bless the United States of America.

By Senator Tan Parker
July 4, 2025

When Beth and I became parents, our whole world changed. We were captivated by how Lauren  and Ashley filled our hearts with infinite joy. At the same time, of course, concern for the future  shaped my thinking. Providing a foundation on which they could build their faith, education, and family values to shape a beautiful future of their own is an awesome responsibility and purpose. 

Like many parents, some days my head hit the pillow with satisfaction thinking of the wonderful  moments we spent together as a family. On other days, I wondered if the wisdom and guidance  shared would make a difference. Every day ended in prayer that the Lord would make me better  than the day before as I replayed where I missed the mark as a parent or as a role model and  husband. Now, our girls are in college, building a bright future of their own with the love that  Beth and I poured into them each day. 

There is no perfect parent. Families face trials and tribulations every day. Beth and I have  learned that the grace we give ourselves, and each other has been a positive influence for our  girls and helps them navigate this complex and ever-changing world. 

While so many of us have been extraordinarily blessed to have children of our own and a family  to love, far too many Texans struggle in unimaginable ways. As the Easter season arrives, my  reflection on the meaning of resurrection, and the power of forgiveness calls to me as both a  father and lawmaker. Texas cannot be the place that leads and the state we love if we turn a blind  eye on actions that help keep families together. 

Therefore, during the 87th Legislative Session, I worked with policy leaders, social workers,  government and non-government organizations in evaluating how Texas addresses the  termination of parental rights. It’s a very intricate reality and one that weighed heavy on me as  much of my legislative work through the years has been grounded in the protection of children,  vulnerable populations, and public safety. 

Sadly, there are dire, and even horrifying, situations in which a child must be removed from  parental custody and the rights of parents are in turn involuntarily terminated. The innocent  children whose lives are forever changed will go into some facet of foster care, becoming part of  the Department of Family and Protective Services (“DFPS”). A recent article by the Texas  Public Policy Foundation cites that during the Fiscal Year 2020, there were 47,913 youth in the  DFPS conservatorship – nearly 50,000 precious lives left exposed to a system that is seeing a dramatic rise in the lack of safe placements and are at a high risk of instability throughout the  remainder of their childhood. In 2018 alone, more than 5,500 cases of parental termination  occurred with many of these happening in the foster care system. 

The hope is that my bill, HB2926, passed last year, will start to make a difference. This law  specifically provides a very rigorous process, which after a minimum of two years and many  highly structured steps in personal rehabilitation, helps reunite parents whose rights were  involuntarily terminated with a child who remains in foster care and has not been adopted nor is the subject of an adoption placement agreement. This important reform measure opens doors to  Second Chances, providing greater hope for a child longing to go back home. 

Taking on this problem also provides an opportunity to more responsibly confront the long-term  mental and physical health consequences for children who experience trauma, helping to reduce  medical, educational and economic impacts they and Texas taxpayers face. A study showed 41  percent of emancipated youth (those who age out without placement) will spend time in the  criminal justice system within 6 months of leaving foster care and a third will face homelessness  before turning 21. 

It won’t be easy and only a very small number are fit for this program. Yet, just as we are  forgiven for our sins and given a chance for healing and redemption, so too should we find ways  to share God’s love to others. I cannot think of a more pure love that is ours to unfold than that  between a parent and a child. In these cases, it will be up to the parent to put in the hard work  and make genuine changes before seeking a request that the courts must very carefully decide. 

I am happy to share with you that I recently received a call from the DPFS about a mom and her  son who have been successfully reunited as a family. The darkness that dominated her life was  lifted and their lives transformed. There lies hope for a brighter tomorrow. It is an honor to serve in the Texas House of Representatives. Please never hesitate to stay in  touch by calling 972.724.8477 or email tan.parker@house.texas.gov. You can also follow me on  social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Growing up strongly influenced with love and respect for our great Nation, I took an immediate interest in President Ronald Reagan, my political hero. I became energized by his leadership as a  true statesman guided by his unapologetic faith who deeply loved his family and country. 

I watched his debates and speeches on television, and like my fellow Americans, developed a  fondness for his demeanor, compassion and sense of humor. When I was older, I understood and appreciated his policies as much as his personality: lower taxes, less regulation and a smaller,  less intrusive, government. At home he was a solver of problems, and on the world stage he was a constructive leader and builder of bridges. 

In his original preface of “Making Government Work,” Reagan once wrote that during his time  as Governor of California he “realized that the biggest problems we had regarding big  government had to be solved in Washington, which was gradually but inexorably taking power  from the states.” He reflected on the significance of moving to a good governance that was beginning the process of returning to the states some of the powers they need to meet the needs of their citizens. In his remarkable wisdom, Reagan called for this effort to be continued–and met by new proposals for action by the states and localities. After all, the government closest to the people governs best.

Serving in the Texas House of Representatives, I have witnessed firsthand the impact that a state like Texas can have on the future direction of the Nation. I am reminded of the principle that the federal government didn’t create the states; the states created the federal government. The  Founders’ belief that stronger states make for a stronger union is alive and well today in state capitols across the country. The legacy and principles of Federalism, which Reagan so artfully championed, are alive and well – especially in Texas. 

Yet, we must also remember Reagan’s wise words, “freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for,  protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years  telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where  men were free.” 

It is up to us to carry on, to teach Reagan’s legacy and the principles of federalism to the next generation. There is no better torchbearer than the late president’s namesake—the Ronald  Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute. 

Recently, I was honored to welcome the Reagan Presidential Foundation to Texas at my alma  mater, the University of Dallas. Partnering with my good friend and Reagan administration alumni Merrie Spaeth, we joined with the educational team to highlight the Reagan Foundation programs now available to students and educators right here in Texas. 

The Reagan Foundation knows that when leadership skills are nurtured and developed in students, the result will be a new generation of thoughtful, proactive, action-oriented American citizens and a stronger democracy. Through state-of-the-art programs, immersive learning experiences and digital technology, they are now able to offer programs and scholarships to students and educators in Texas, such as “virtual” leadership experiences and field trips, an  online leadership certification program, creation of an expanded curriculum (including a high school course on Reaganomics) and a summer camp program that includes overnight accommodations at Pepperdine University. 

High school students can now also earn certificates in Leadership and Communication through the Reagan Academy. Their cutting-edge materials are tailored to help students develop the necessary skills for embarking on the next chapter of their lives. A thoughtful perspective in civic engagement and good governance are precisely the sorts of skills that help them stand out for scholarships, university admission, and future employment. Upon completion, students will receive an exclusive Presidential Leadership Certification. You can learn more about the  program here: www.reaganfoundation.org/education/e-learning/leadership 

Regrettably, we have watched the emergence of violence in our society coupled with an ideology that seeks to rewrite history and impose extreme political correctness that pits neighbor against neighbor. To protect and build upon the gifts of freedom, democracy, and thoughtful leadership,  it is paramount that we encourage the next generation of leaders to understand the founding principles which have made America a beacon of hope around the world. It is our children who will pave the pathway for a brighter tomorrow. President Reagan’s timeless teachings are just as relevant today as they were when he led our great Nation 42 years ago, and his legacy is a gift to this and the generations that follow. 

It’s an honor to represent you in the Texas House of Representatives, and I hope you will stay in touch by emailing tan.parker@house.texas.gov or calling 972.724.8477. You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.