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'Inside the TCMA' featured Article |
A Fresh Perspective on Austin |
Clifford Smith | March 6, 2019 |
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Our On January 21 – 22, TCMA members took
the I-35 challenge to convene in Austin, and the Interstate didn’t fail
to live up to its reputation! With the legislature in session, the
frenzy had begun with committee assignments being overseen by the new
Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, Dennis Bonnen. |
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Meanwhile, our members came together to discuss issues facing
manufacturing, especially our metal casting industry. This trek to
Austin follows our mission statement, “To promote the common interest of
the metal casting industry through the development of an effective
legislative action program and improve communications with elected
officials.” |
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So, with the stage
set, TCMA members gathered at the capitol to meet elected and
appointed officials. TCMA Vice-Chairman and newly elected Representative Jared Patterson
(District 106) led the way for our delegation to meet within the capitol
extension building.
We met with and had great discussions with
Representatives Keith Bell, Ben Leman, Steve Allison, Sam Harless,
Stephanie Klick, and staff from the offices of Representatives Reggie
Smith and Candy Noble, and Senator Kelly Hancock. |
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Earlier in the day, we met with Steven Schar, Special Assistant to the
Executive Director of the TCEQ. Steven fielded questions from our
members about numerous issues with permitting as the most talked about
item.
Past TCMA Chairman Peter Macler, who serves as a TCEQ EnviroMentor,
facilitated the permitting discussion with Mr. Schar for clarification
on several points. Thanks, Pete!
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We were pleased to hear that the TCEQ
was willing to continue its working relationship with industry,
especially foundries, to achieve compliance. |
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The gathering this year in Austin was invaluable. For those of you who
were unable to attend, please make an effort to participate in the 2021
Austin annual meeting. In the meantime, we would like to hear from you
if you would like to actively participate in the TCMA. The Board of
Directors will meet in the fall, and we would encourage you to meet with
us. Keep in mind that we will meet in Tyler for our annual meeting in
2020.
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