By Coleman H.R. No. 1174 75R16883 JTR-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, Burton F. Raiford has distinguished himself as a 1-2 public servant of ability and integrity, and his many years of 1-3 service to the people of Texas are truly worthy of special praise 1-4 and recognition; and 1-5 WHEREAS, A graduate of Texas A&M University, Mr. Raiford 1-6 currently serves as chief financial officer for the Texas Health 1-7 and Human Services Commission, and he has brought to this position 1-8 his characteristic diligence and intelligence; and 1-9 WHEREAS, Mr. Raiford is a 26-year veteran of the Texas 1-10 Department of Human Services and was that agency's commissioner 1-11 before assuming his current post; originally hired as an 1-12 accountant, his astute financial acumen and organizational skills 1-13 were soon noted, and he met the challenges of each successive job 1-14 assignment with skill and determination; and 1-15 WHEREAS, Dedicated to maintaining exceptional service to his 1-16 agency's clients, Mr. Raiford steered the Department of Human 1-17 Services through turbulent times while remaining steadfast in his 1-18 commitment to job training programs and welfare reform, and under 1-19 his leadership the organization reshaped itself to better serve 1-20 Texans from all walks of life; and 1-21 WHEREAS, Mr. Raiford is well known as a knowledgeable and 1-22 compassionate mentor to his colleagues, and he is regularly sought 1-23 out for his depth of wisdom and balanced sense of perspective; and 1-24 WHEREAS, Throughout his career, Mr. Raiford has drawn 2-1 strength and inspiration from his close-knit family, and he and his 2-2 wife Peg take great pride in their grown children, Ronnie, Michael, 2-3 and Brenda; and 2-4 WHEREAS, Burt Raiford's service to the State of Texas has 2-5 immeasurably benefited the lives of countless numbers of his fellow 2-6 citizens, and it is indeed fitting to recognize him for his many 2-7 remarkable accomplishments; now, therefore, be it 2-8 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas 2-9 Legislature hereby honor Burton F. Raiford on his great 2-10 contributions to the Lone Star State and convey to him sincere 2-11 gratitude for his devoted public service; and, be it further 2-12 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-13 prepared for Mr. Raiford as an expression of high regard by the 2-14 Texas House of Representatives.