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78R9639 KMP-D

By:  Wilson                                                       H.R. No. 966



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, On March 18, 2003, the citizens of the Lone Star 
State lost a powerful voice for change and progress with the passing 
of the Honorable Irma Rangel, the first Mexican American woman ever 
elected to serve in the Texas House of Representatives; and
	WHEREAS, A passionate advocate for the residents of South 
Texas, as well as for minorities and other underserved populations, 
this outstanding public servant had ably represented the citizens 
of this state with honor and distinction since 1976, and she was 
appointed to her first leadership position during the 68th Texas 
Legislature, when she was named vice chair of the House Judicial 
Affairs Committee; in subsequent years she served as vice chair of 
the House Urban Affairs and International and Cultural Relations 
committees, but it was her leadership role with the House Higher 
Education Committee over the course of seven sessions that will 
endure in the minds of many, for she created and enhanced 
educational opportunities in Texas that will profoundly affect both 
current and future generations; and
	WHEREAS, Representative Rangel became the first woman to 
serve as chair of the Mexican American Legislative Caucus, and her 
extensive work in behalf of this state's citizens contributed to 
such significant achievements as the South Texas Border Initiative 
and the school of pharmacy at Texas A&M University--Kingsville; and
	WHEREAS, This accomplished legislator was inducted into the 
Texas Women's Hall of Fame and was the first Mexican American to 
receive the Mirabeau B. Lamar Medal from the Association of Texas 
Colleges and Universities, a fitting tribute for a woman who 
devoted more than two decades of her life to the betterment of 
higher education in the Lone Star State; and
	WHEREAS, It is the custom of this state to adorn the walls of 
our magnificent Capitol with paintings depicting people and events 
that have helped to shape the future of Texas; one individual who is 
indeed worthy of this honor is the late Representative Irma Rangel, 
whose legacy of uncompromising integrity and belief in the 
importance of public service will be remembered in this state and in 
this chamber for many years to come; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby direct the House Administration Committee to 
hang a portrait of the Honorable Irma Rangel in a suitable location 
in the house chamber as a tribute to this remarkable legislative 
pioneer and public servant; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That the chief clerk of the house forward an 
official copy of this resolution to the chairman of the House 
Administration Committee.