SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 490

	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins citizens 
across the state in recognizing March of 2005 as Mental Retardation
Awareness Month; and

	WHEREAS, Approximately 600,000 Texans have mental 
retardation, and one out of every 10 American families is directly
affected by mental retardation; it cuts across the lines of race, 
education and social and economic background; and

	WHEREAS, Persons with mental retardation face numerous 
challenges in acquiring quality and appropriate health care in 
their communities; since mental retardation affects each 
individual differently, families must find a community program 
and support system that best meets the needs of the individual 
with mental retardation; and

	WHEREAS, People in communities should be educated about 
the abilities and needs of people with mental retardation, as the 
condition is often wrongly confused with mental illness; and

	WHEREAS, People with mental retardation need to be able to 
lead the lives they choose and have a good quality of life; public 
education and awareness are the keys to their ability to attain 
these basic human rights; now, therefore, be it

	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
79th Legislature, hereby designate March as Mental Retardation 
Awareness Month; and, be it further

	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared as a 
tribute to this event.
                                                                       Zaffirini




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on March 30, 2005.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate