1-1 1 1-2 SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 641 1-3 In Memory 1-4 of 1-5 The Honorable John C. Alaniz 1-6 WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens 1-7 of San Antonio in mourning the loss of the Honorable John C. Alaniz, 1-8 who died on March 26, 2001, at the age of 71; and 1-9 WHEREAS, A noted attorney, legislator, and civic leader, 1-10 John Alaniz was the first Mexican-American elected to the 1-11 Texas State House of Representatives from Bexar County; and 1-12 WHEREAS, This outstanding representative served his state 1-13 in an elective office from 1961 through 1965; he was known for 1-14 instituting new ideas, and he introduced the first food stamp law 1-15 in the State of Texas; and 1-16 WHEREAS, A man who campaigned for a more progressive state 1-17 for all Texans, Representative Alaniz was the first author of the 1-18 state bilingual education act in 1961; he was also a leader in 1-19 passing a law for single-member districts for the State House of 1-20 Representatives and the State Senate and for eliminating the poll 1-21 tax as a qualification for voting; and 2-1 WHEREAS, In 1963, Representative Alaniz was the first 2-2 Mexican-American to run for Speaker of the House of Representatives, 2-3 and he introduced the first state legislation amendment giving 2-4 equal rights to women and minorities; and 2-5 WHEREAS, Recognized as an outstanding civil rights leader 2-6 in the 1960s and the 1970s, John Alaniz helped pave the way for the 2-7 civil and economic achievements of today; and 2-8 WHEREAS, A man of integrity, strength, and generosity, 2-9 he gave unselfishly of his time to others, and his wisdom and 2-10 generous counsel will not be forgotten by all whose lives he 2-11 touched; and 2-12 WHEREAS, John Alaniz leaves a legacy of compassion and 2-13 commitment that will remain cherished by all who shared his life; 2-14 he will be greatly missed; now, therefore, be it 2-15 RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 2-16 77th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the 2-17 members of his family: his sons, Alfred, Aaron, Jake, and Robert; 2-18 his daughters, Dianne, Anet, and Rebecca; his brother, 2-19 Robert Alaniz; and his 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild; 2-20 and, be it further 2-21 RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for his 2-22 family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate, 2-23 and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of 2-24 the Honorable John C. Alaniz. 3-1 Van de Putte 3-2 ______________________________________ 3-3 President of the Senate 3-4 I hereby certify that the above 3-5 Resolution was adopted by the Senate 3-6 on April 3, 2001, by a rising vote. 3-7 ______________________________________ 3-8 Secretary of the Senate 3-9 ______________________________________ 3-10 Member, Texas Senate