By Naishtat                                             H.R. No. 64
         77R3991 MJS-D                           
                                 R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, Throughout the nation, Americans are seeking
 1-2     innovative solutions to prevent blindness and help those affected
 1-3     by this disability, and some of the most successful programs have
 1-4     been those implemented by the Texas Commission for the Blind; and
 1-5           WHEREAS, Enacted by the Texas Legislature in 1997, the
 1-6     Blindness Education, Screening, and Treatment (BEST) Program
 1-7     educates Texans who are at risk for blindness; in addition, its
 1-8     initiatives include public vision screenings and providing
 1-9     treatment for Lone Star State residents that lack the necessary
1-10     resources for medical eye care; and
1-11           WHEREAS, Spreading the word about the BEST Program through
1-12     public service announcements and other media, the Texas Commission
1-13     for the Blind has greatly increased the public's knowledge and
1-14     understanding of blindness; moreover, the organization's ongoing
1-15     efforts have raised awareness among groups that are more prone to
1-16     blindness; and
1-17           WHEREAS, January 2001 is National Glaucoma Awareness Month,
1-18     and in conjunction with this noteworthy occurrence, the Texas
1-19     Commission for the Blind is encouraging Texans who are at risk for
1-20     blindness to have an optical examination; and
1-21           WHEREAS, With its proactive approach to detecting blindness
1-22     and its commitment to serving persons who have impaired vision, the
1-23     Texas Commission for the Blind has made a positive impact
1-24     throughout the entire State of Texas, and it is most appropriate to
 2-1     take this opportunity to pay tribute to this outstanding state
 2-2     agency; now, therefore, be it
 2-3           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas
 2-4     Legislature hereby recognize the Texas Commission for the Blind for
 2-5     its many good works and deeds and urge Texans to support the
 2-6     agency's Blindness Education, Screening, and Treatment Program;
 2-7     and, be it further
 2-8           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
 2-9     prepared for the Texas Commission for the Blind as a token of high
2-10     regard by the Texas House of Representatives.