SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 5

	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to 
recognize the Honorable Mary Groves Bland, a former senator of 
the great state of Missouri; and

	WHEREAS, Mary Bland was elected to the Missouri House of 
Representatives in 1980 and was elected to the Senate in 1998; 
she sponsored major legislation in the areas of social services, 
health care, and education; and

	WHEREAS, Senator Bland has been the recipient of many 
awards:  among other honors, she earned recognition from the 
National Black Caucus of State Legislators, was named the 
Tony Boyland Outstanding Legislator in 1988, received the 
Mtumishi Service Award in 1993, and was selected as one of 
Kansas City's most influential persons; and

	WHEREAS, Mary Bland attended Ottawa University and 
received certification in community relations; she received 
certification in executive policy from Harvard University and 
went on to pursue a degree in human resources; and

	WHEREAS, Senator Bland has held leadership positions in 
numerous organizations; she has served as chairwoman of the 
Board of Freedom, Incorporated, as first vice president of the 
National Black Caucus of State Legislators, and as treasurer of 
the Niles Home for Children; she has been a dedicated advocate 
and an exemplary role model for the citizens of Missouri; now, 
therefore, be it

	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 
79th Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby commend the 
Honorable Mary Groves Bland for her service to her community 
and her state and extend to her best wishes for the future; and, 
be it further

	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
her 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 April 17, 2006.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate