H.R. No. 374


R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Honorable Bill Ratliff, former lieutenant governor and longtime state senator of the State of Texas, was honored at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston, Massachusetts, on May 16, 2005, with the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award; and WHEREAS, Named for President Kennedy's 1957 Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Profiles in Courage, this prestigious award is presented to individuals who demonstrate the courage to make decisions of conscience without regard for the consequences; past recipients of the award include United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, former United States President Gerald Ford, and former United States Congressman Henry B. Gonzalez; and WHEREAS, During his distinguished career in the Texas Legislature, Senator Ratliff was an effective and efficient leader who supported an inclusive style of governing; moreover, he wrote and secured passage of landmark education legislation and was instrumental in improving health insurance and access to Medicaid for Texans; and WHEREAS, Although his record of service alone was sufficient to warrant his selection for this honor by the bipartisan Profile in Courage Award committee, Senator Ratliff received special commendation for his efforts during the state's redistricting process; and WHEREAS, Bill Ratliff has inspired countless Americans with his dedication to preserving the ideals of democracy and his willingness to stand up for his beliefs, and he is to be commended for setting an encouraging example; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby congratulate the Honorable Bill Ratliff on his receipt of the 2005 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award and extend best wishes to him for a future filled with happiness and success. Merritt ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 374 was adopted by the House on July 19, 2005, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House