81R857 CBE-D
 
  By: Shapleigh S.R. No. 416
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, El Paso is one of the largest cities in the Southwest
  and home to Fort Bliss, and the veterans in El Paso contribute
  significantly to the vitality of the community; and
         WHEREAS, The city of El Paso has great need for a veterans'
  hospital; there are approximately 48,000 veterans within the
  tri-state area that encompasses El Paso County, and many of these
  veterans lack access to doctors, surgeons, and medical specialists;
  and
         WHEREAS, Currently, area veterans in need of treatment for a
  special medical problem must travel in state to Lubbock, Waco, or
  San Antonio, or out of state to Albuquerque, New Mexico, or Arizona;
  many veterans do not have the means to make such trips and thus do
  not receive medical attention; and
         WHEREAS, With Fort Bliss continuing to draw soldiers to the
  area and numerous veterans choosing to make El Paso and its environs
  their permanent home, a veterans' hospital in the city is an
  essential need; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 81st Texas Legislature
  hereby support the establishment of a veterans' hospital in the
  city of El Paso; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That the Secretary of the Senate forward an
  official copy of this resolution to the secretary of the U.S.
  Department of Veterans Affairs.