ATSSA Signal September October 2019

The Signal | September/October 2019 11 Government Relations representatives about the legislation and the importance of roadway safety infra- structure at a State Advocacy Day event. “As a state representative, I want toensure Texashighways aresafe, not only for those driving on them, but also for those who work hard every day to maintain them. Road maintenance is a necessity, thus ensuring the safety of our road main- tenance operators is a priority. I was honored to file and usher this legislation through the process and subsequently pray that it has the intended effect of saving many lives from this point on,” said Lang. Advancing this legislation, for Davon Rabon—an ATSSA Certified Instructor and National Safety Director for the TRP ConstructionGroup, and attendee of the advocacy day—is personal. Rabon has lost several co-workers over the course of his career in work zone crashes. He also lives in Lang’s district. “This legislation will add thousands of highway construction workers to the protections of a law that previously only protected state employees. This legisla- tion will no doubt save lives. Saving lives and protecting our employ- ees should be themost important thing we do,” said Rabon. For ATSSAmember Suzette Cole, an account manager for Dallas/Ft. Worth Lite & Barricade, the experience has shown her the impact advocacy can have on affecting changes in legislation. “I have never been a very active politi- cal person, but working with ATSSA on something that I amso passionate about has opened my eyes that one person/ team can make a difference,” said Cole. For more information on ATSSA’s state advocacy efforts, contact Smith at nate.smith@ATSSA.com .  Rep. Mike Lang (R-Texas) sponsored House Bill 1226 to include contractors in the state’s “Slow Down/ Move Over” law.