SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 123
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Emmett Sheppard, who is assuming the position of president of the Texas AFL-CIO; and WHEREAS, Mr. Sheppard has served as secretary-treasurer of the 220,000-member labor organization for 10 years, overseeing finances and guiding policies while working under the leadership of President Joe D. Gunn; and WHEREAS, Emmett Sheppard grew up in Groves and studied at Texas A&M University and the University of North Texas; and WHEREAS, After becoming employed with the Gulf Oil Corporation, he joined the Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers Local 4-23, a predecessor of the current PACE union; for a number of years, he was a member of the local union's Workman's Committee and became well known for negotiating several difficult contracts; from 1982 to 1989, he also served as president of the Sabine Area Central Labor Council; and WHEREAS, A gifted and committed labor leader, Emmett Sheppard assumed the position of legislative director for the Texas AFL-CIO in 1989; after holding that position for four years, he was elected secretary-treasurer of the organization in 1993, when secretary-treasurer Jackie St. Clair left the post; he has been reelected without opposition since that time; and WHEREAS, Mr. Sheppard is respected for his knowledge of workers' compensation, hazardous materials issues, workplace safety, and politics, and he has repeatedly conducted grass-roots campaigns aimed at promoting organized labor's participation in legislative debates and elections; and WHEREAS, An exemplary citizen, he has worked for the betterment of his community by serving the City of Groves as mayor pro-tem and as a member of the city council; he has also served as a board member of a number of civic organizations, including the John Gray Institute of Beaumont, Junior Achievement of Jefferson County, and March of Dimes; and WHEREAS, Emmett Sheppard brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the position of president of the Texas AFL-CIO, and his leadership will undoubtedly be a valuable asset to the organization's future; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 78th Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby commend Emmett Sheppard for his exemplary contributions to our state as a labor leader and extend congratulations to him on his new position as president of the Texas AFL-CIO; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. Ellis ________________________________ President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on July 24, 2003. ________________________________ Secretary of the Senate ________________________________ Member, Texas Senate