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