1-1 1 1-2 SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 950 1-3 WHEREAS, Burton F. Raiford has distinguished himself as a 1-4 public servant of rare ability and integrity, and his many years 1-5 of service to the people of Texas are truly worthy of special 1-6 praise and recognition; and 1-7 WHEREAS, A graduate of Texas A&M University, Mr. Raiford 1-8 currently serves as chief financial officer for the Texas Health 1-9 and Human Services Commission, and he has brought to this position 1-10 his characteristic diligence and intelligence; and 1-11 WHEREAS, A 26-year veteran of the Texas Department of Human 1-12 Services, Mr. Raiford was the agency's commissioner before assuming 1-13 his current post; he was originally hired as an accountant, and his 1-14 astute financial acumen and organizational skills were soon noted; 1-15 he met the challenges of each successive job assignment with skill 1-16 and determination; and 1-17 WHEREAS, Dedicated to maintaining exceptional service to his 1-18 agency's clients, Mr. Raiford steered the Department of Human 1-19 Services through turbulent times while remaining steadfast in his 1-20 commitment to job training programs and welfare reform, and under 1-21 his leadership the organization reshaped itself to better serve 1-22 Texans from all walks of life; and 1-23 WHEREAS, Mr. Raiford is well known as a knowledgeable and 2-1 compassionate mentor to his colleagues, and he is regularly sought 2-2 out for his depth of wisdom and balanced sense of perspective; and 2-3 WHEREAS, Throughout his career, Mr. Raiford has drawn 2-4 strength and inspiration from his close-knit family, and he and 2-5 his wife, Peg, take great pride in their grown children, Ronnie, 2-6 Michael, and Brenda; and 2-7 WHEREAS, Burt Raiford's service to the State of Texas has 2-8 immeasurably benefited the lives of countless numbers of his fellow 2-9 citizens, and it is indeed fitting to recognize him for his many 2-10 remarkable accomplishments; now, therefore, be it 2-11 RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 2-12 75th Legislature, hereby honor Burton F. Raiford on his enormous 2-13 contributions to the Lone Star State and extend to him sincere 2-14 gratitude for his devoted public service; and, be it further 2-15 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be 2-16 prepared for Mr. Raiford as an expression of high regard by the 2-17 Texas Senate. 2-18 West 2-19 ______________________________________ 2-20 President of the Senate 2-21 I hereby certify that the above 2-22 Resolution was adopted by the Senate 2-23 on May 30, 1997. 2-24 ______________________________________ 2-25 Secretary of the Senate 2-26 ______________________________________ 2-27 Member, Texas Senate