78R4297 JHS-D

By:  Wilson                                                       H.R. No. 190



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Longtime secretary of the senate Betty King stepped 
down from the podium on December 31, 2000, briefly ending her tenure 
as secretary after 12 regular legislative sessions and 27 special 
sessions, only to graciously return to the post for the 77th Regular 
Session; and
	WHEREAS, A graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, 
Mrs. King began her distinguished career at the State Capitol as an 
honorary page at the age of 14; she later served as assistant 
journal clerk for the senate during the 60th, 61st, and 62nd 
sessions and as journal clerk during the 63rd and 64th sessions, 
before being named secretary of the senate in 1977; and
	WHEREAS, During her career, Mrs. King served under lieutenant 
governors Bill Hobby, Bob Bullock, and Rick Perry; a friend and 
counselor to a host of state senators, she was always the first 
person to welcome newly elected members to the Capitol, and she also 
held a leadership role with the National Conference of State 
Legislatures for many years; and
	WHEREAS, Elected by members of the senate, the longtime 
secretary of the senate served as chief executive administrator of 
the chamber throughout her tenure and participated in the 
legislative process by calling roll and reading bills, maintaining 
legislative records, and receiving legislative messages and 
communications; in addition, she supervised the elected officers of 
the senate and coordinated the operation of the central senate 
staff; and
	WHEREAS, Mrs. King has devoted her time and energy to 
interests beyond the senate chamber as well; she is a founding 
member of the Austin Lyric Opera and a longtime supporter of the 
Girl Scouts of America; and
	WHEREAS, Betty King is a respected figure in the annals of the 
Texas Legislature who has served her fellow Texans and their 
elected public officials in the senate with dignity, grace, and 
diligence for nearly a quarter-century, and it is a privilege to 
honor her and pay tribute to her remarkable career; now, therefore, 
be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby commend Betty King on her unparalleled years of 
service as secretary of the senate and extend best wishes to her for 
a joyful and rewarding retirement; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Mrs. King as an expression of highest regard by the 
Texas House of Representatives.