80R6663 JH-D

By: Dukes H.R. No. 479

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Television personality and author Montel Williams is performing an important service in his role as national spokesperson for the Partnership for Prescription Assistance; and

WHEREAS, By joining forces with PPA, Mr. Williams has helped to focus national attention on this organization's vital work; the Partnership for Prescription Assistance helps patients who lack prescription drug coverage to get the medicines they need; a coalition of 1,300 organizations belong to the partnership, including pharmaceutical companies, medical professionals, health-care providers, nonprofit organizations, and business groups; and

WHEREAS, Among its many services, PPA provides a convenient and effective means for patients to receive information about hundreds of public and private prescription programs; in addition, it helps individuals to understand Medicare, Medicaid, and State Children's Health Insurance Program benefits, and it provides information on how to contact the appropriate government agencies; since its launch in 2005, PPA has helped more than three million people across the country; and

WHEREAS, Montel Williams has served as a PPA spokesperson since January 2006; as part of his volunteer work for the partnership, he has appeared in public service announcements and frequently joins the "Help is Here Express" bus tours that publicize the group's mission; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Williams is also prominent in other philanthropic and civic initiatives and is the driving force behind the Montel Williams MS Foundation, which provides research funding and raises national awareness about multiple sclerosis, a disease from which Mr. Williams himself suffers; the principle of serving others has been reflected in his professional accomplishments, as well; as a talk-show host and author, he has treated important civic and social issues in a thorough and thoughtful manner and has earned a number of prestigious awards, including an Emmy; before beginning his media career, he served his country as a member of the Marines and as a decorated Naval intelligence officer; and

WHEREAS, Providing better access to prescription medicines is an urgent issue in Texas, where more than five million people lack health insurance; the Partnership for Prescription Assistance is a crucial resource for these at-risk individuals, and it is an honor to pay tribute to Montel Williams for devoting his talents to this worthy organization; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 80th Texas Legislature hereby honor Montel Williams for serving as national spokesperson for the Partnership for Prescription Assistance and extend to him best wishes for success in this important work; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Williams as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.