By Willis H.R. No. 408 R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, Since its establishment in June of 1974, the Parents 1-2 Association for the Retarded of Texas (PART) has dedicated itself 1-3 to preserving, expanding, and improving state schools and state 1-4 centers for children and adults with developmental disabilities; 1-5 and 1-6 WHEREAS, Founded by concerned parents, the 4,000 members of 1-7 PART have volunteered their time and energies to address the unique 1-8 needs of the retarded children of Texas; and 1-9 WHEREAS, Strong in their belief that as parents they are the 1-10 most knowledgeable and credible advocates of mentally retarded 1-11 persons, PART members actively supported the establishment of the 1-12 Laredo State Center, the San Antonio State School, the Fort Worth 1-13 State School, and cottages on the campuses of a number of older 1-14 state schools and state centers and were at the forefront of 1-15 efforts to provide services for mentally retarded offenders in 1-16 state prisons; and 1-17 WHEREAS, Committed and caring members have served on the 1-18 committee to draft the Mentally Retarded Persons Act and continue 1-19 to urge the creation of new programs to meet the needs of our 1-20 state's special citizens; and 1-21 WHEREAS, Concerned with high employee turnover rates at state 1-22 schools, PART has fought for increased wages, benefits, and career 1-23 ladder programs to attract qualified employees; and 2-1 WHEREAS, On the opening day of every regular legislative 2-2 session, PART places a single yellow rose on the desk of the 2-3 governor, lieutenant governor, speaker, and each legislator; and 2-4 WHEREAS, PART is an organization of committed individuals 2-5 whose devoted efforts in behalf of their retarded children have 2-6 made a lasting impact on the state's mental retardation programs, 2-7 and it is appropriate to take this opportunity to recognize this 2-8 noteworthy group; now therefore be it 2-9 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 73rd Texas 2-10 Legislature hereby commend the Parents Association for the Retarded 2-11 of Texas; and be it further 2-12 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-13 prepared for the association as an expression of highest esteem and 2-14 admiration from the members of the Texas House of Representatives.