Rockwall Chamber delegation visits Texas State Capitol

Rockwall County Days in Austin

(AUSTIN, TX – March 7, 2017) A group of 85-plus business and industry leaders, elected officials, members of the Leadership Rockwall Class of 2017, and Chamber staff representing the Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce and Rockwall County spent two days in Austin, TX meeting with state legislators and other officials at the Capitol to discuss the issues that are most important to the Rockwall area.

The group spent Monday morning, Feb. 27, listening to several speakers including Rep. Four Price, Rep. Angie Chen Button, and Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush and Comptroller Glenn Hegar.

From there, the Rockwall delegation spent some time in the Texas Supreme Court where they heard from Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Morath and Texas Supreme Court Justice Don R. Willet who spent his formative years near the Rockwall area.

“It is so important that members of the community have a chance to hear from local lawmakers on issues affecting Rockwall County, and ask questions to their elected officials. We had a great visit at the Capitol,” said Dana K Macalik, President of the Chamber. “It was a great opportunity to discuss legislative priorities and upcoming legislation with them, plus a chance to watch the legislative process in action.”

After hearing from Justice Willet, the delegation was recognized on both the Senate and House floors, culminating with Rockwall native Representative Justin Holland presenting H.R. 426 declaring February 26th-28th, 2017 “Rockwall County Days.”

“It was great to have Rockwall recognized at such a high level,” said Shaun Kirkland, Board Member for The Young Professionals of Rockwall. “Moreover, seeing close to 100 citizens take two days of their personal and professional time to make sure their voices were heard was inspiring.”

On Tuesday, Feb. 28, the Rockwall delegation delivered the Chamber’s and community position papers to all 181 state legislators. County issues of importance were transportation, water, education and workforce development, economic development and health care and human services.

“I really enjoyed the guest speakers and the recognition in both the House and the Senate. What an honor to be able to hear from some of the top people who serve us. I cannot wait to go back,” said Rockwall Chamber Chair-Elect Richard Redig with Blue Ribbon News.

Ensuring that business has a voice in the legislative process, the legislative committee of the Chamber works with regional business leaders to identify critical trends and to make sure Chamber members are represented in the halls of the state legislature as regulations are drafted and bills are debated. The legislative committee is co-chaired by Cindy Tayem of Oncor and Rich Reynolds of NorthStar Bank. To see the 2017 position papers, visit http://rockwallchamber.org/legislative-priorities.

Submitted press release by the Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce.

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