By: Shapleigh S.R. No. 416

(In the Senate - Filed March 11, 2009; March 31, 2009, read first time and referred to Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations; April 17, 2009, reported favorably by the following vote: Yeas 4, Nays 0; April 17, 2009, sent to printer.)

SENATE RESOLUTION

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 State of Texas, 81st 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 United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

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