SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 301

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the efforts of the agencies and organizations dedicated to helping persons with disabilities achieve independence; and

WHEREAS, Among the groups that have assumed this important responsibility are the State Independent Living Council, American Disabled for Attendant Programs Today, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services, EveryChild, and The University of Texas Center for Disability Studies; and

WHEREAS, These exemplary organizations have established themselves as leaders in the struggle to preserve and protect the rights of Americans with disabilities and to end the institutional bias that forces them into nursing homes and institutions instead of allowing them to live in their own homes and communities; and

WHEREAS, These groups have worked to implement numerous policies that give those with disabilities the means to pursue independence, including the family-based alternatives project, additional funding for Medicaid waivers, transition assistance services, permanency planning for children with disabilities, money-follows-the-person, and the community living options process; they are truly deserving of recognition for their eloquent and compassionate advocacy on behalf of citizens with disabilities; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st Legislature, hereby commend the men and women who have dedicated themselves to improving the lives of those with disabilities and helping them achieve independence; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in honor of these generous and compassionate organizations.

Zaffirini

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 24, 2009.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate