79R4435 MMS-D

By:  Giddings                                                   H.C.R. No. 43 



CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
	WHEREAS, The Texas Silver-Haired Legislature is celebrating, 
in 2005, the 20th anniversary of its creation; and
	WHEREAS, Designed as a model legislature for senior citizens, 
the first Silver-Haired Legislature was organized in Missouri in 
1973, and since that time a number of states have established 
similar programs; and
	WHEREAS, The Texas Silver-Haired Legislature was created in 
1985 with the assistance of enabling legislation passed during the 
69th Texas Legislature, and its inaugural session was gaveled to 
order in September 1986; the Silver-Haired Legislature serves as a 
means of informing older Texans about the legislative process and 
provides a forum where they can discuss issues particularly 
affecting senior citizens; policy recommendations drafted by 
delegates to the Silver-Haired Legislature are then submitted to 
the governor, to the real legislature, and to the Texas Department 
of Aging and Disability Services for consideration; and
	WHEREAS, In addition to holding their own mock sessions, 
members of the Silver-Haired Legislature participate in, and 
encourage attendance at, numerous real legislative hearings and 
policy discussions throughout the state, in the interest of making 
the voices of the elderly better heard; the Silver-Haired 
Legislature also hosts seminars to coordinate its statewide efforts 
and to educate its membership about new technologies and policy 
initiatives; and
	WHEREAS, In commemoration of this notable milestone, a dinner 
honoring the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature is being held on 
February 8, 2005, as part of the ceremonies marking the third Senior 
Day at the Capitol; and
	WHEREAS, For two decades, Texans participating in the 
Silver-Haired Legislature have rendered exemplary service to their 
fellow citizens through their thoughtful, insightful engagement in 
a wide array of public-policy issues, and this program is indeed 
deserving of recognition and commendation for its contributions to 
the quality of life in the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the 79th Legislature of the State of Texas, 
Regular Session, 2005, hereby honor the Texas Silver-Haired 
Legislature on the 20th anniversary of its creation and extend to 
all those who have supported this endeavor sincere appreciation.