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CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, The Legislature of the State of Texas is pleased to |
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recognize Emmett Sheppard on the occasion of his retirement as |
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president of the Texas American Federation of Labor and Congress of |
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Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO); and |
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WHEREAS, A former city councilman and mayor pro tempore in |
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his hometown of Groves, Emmett Sheppard began his career in labor |
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when he joined the Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers Local 4-23 |
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while working for Gulf Oil Corporation; in 1982, he became |
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president of the Sabine Area Central Labor Council and later won |
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election as secretary-treasurer of Local 4-23; and |
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WHEREAS, He became legislative director of the Texas AFL-CIO |
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in 1989 and went on to play an important role in the battles over |
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workers' compensation and workplace safety issues in this state; in |
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1993, he was elected secretary-treasurer of the Texas AFL-CIO, a |
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position he held until 2003, when he became president of the |
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organization by acclamation; and |
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WHEREAS, In addition to his duties with the union, Mr. |
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Sheppard has served his state and community in various other ways; |
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he has held significant volunteer posts with the United Way, the |
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March of Dimes, Junior Achievement, and Project SAFE Texas; and |
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WHEREAS, Emmett Sheppard has been a consistently strong and |
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outspoken voice for the rights and interests of workers throughout |
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the state; he is truly deserving of appreciation and admiration for |
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his hard work and his many accomplishments; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the 80th Legislature of the State of Texas |
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hereby commend Emmett Sheppard for his many years of service and |
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outstanding leadership in the Texas AFL-CIO and extend to him best |
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wishes for the retirement years ahead; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be prepared for him |
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as an expression of high regard from the Texas Legislature. |