81R5404 JNC-D

By: Herrero H.R. No. 239

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Members of the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature are visiting the State Capitol on February 10, 2009; 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; and

WHEREAS, Included among the visiting delegation is Billie Erwin, a leader in the group's Coastal Bend district; this notable Texan has served her fellow members with distinction on the Executive and Election & Credentials Committees and as vice chair of the Retirement & Aging Committee; and

WHEREAS, For more than 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 House of Representatives of the 81st Texas Legislature welcome the members of the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature to the State Capitol and commend them for their efforts in behalf of senior citizens throughout the Lone Star State; and, be it further

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