79S11152 JHS-D

By:  Merritt                                                      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.