AUSTIN– State Representative Eric Johnson (D-Dallas) has been named by Texas House Speaker Joe Straus to the House Interim Committee on Manufacturing. This new committee will produce recommendations on how to encourage manufacturing in Texas and is also expected to produce legislation to further promote manufacturing throughout the state.

“I am honored to have been named by Speaker Straus to such an important committee, and particularly at this critical time. Expanding Texas’ manufacturing base is essential to creating an even stronger Texas economy, producing more high-paying jobs, and expanding our shrinking middle class. I am particularly excited about the prospect of bringing more manufacturing jobs back to our state’s urban centers, such as District 100,” said Johnson.

Currently, more than 800,000 Texans work in the manufacturing sector of the economy which accounts for approximately 15% of our gross state product. The largest component of manufacturing in Texas is in the production of computers and electronic equipment. Texas is also a leading manufacturer in food processing and the production of industrial chemicals.

The new interim committee on manufacturing has been directed to recommend ways the Legislature can strengthen the manufacturing sector in Texas. The committee must report its findings and recommendations to Speaker Straus by January 7, 2013.

State Representative Eric Johnson represents District 100 which includes parts of Dallas and Mesquite.