H.R. No. 1417

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, The Little People of America, the nation's oldest and largest organization for people with dwarfism, is celebrating its 56th anniversary in 2013; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 1957 by the well-known actor Billy Barty, the LPA is the only organization that supports people with any of the more than 200 forms of dwarfism; the LPA assists members and their families with such issues as parenting and adoption and provides medical resources and referrals and information about educational scholarships; moreover, the LPA is involved in a range of community outreach initiatives; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception with some 20 members, the LPA has grown to include a national membership of more than 6,500; its goal is to empower people with dwarfism to achieve their full potential and to advocate for communities in which people with dwarfism can pursue educational, employment, and social opportunities on an equal playing field; and

WHEREAS, The dwarfism community includes over 650,000 people worldwide, including an estimated 2,600 people in Texas; and

WHEREAS, The Lone Star State celebrates the many contributions that individuals with dwarfism have made to society, including as productive members of the workforce, and it is indeed fitting to recognize the LPA and its dedication to improving the quality of life for many people; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby recognize October 2013 as Dwarfism Awareness Month and congratulate the members of Little People of America on the organization's 56th anniversary.

Lewis

______________________________ Speaker of the House

I certify that H.R. No. 1417 was adopted by the House on April 24, 2013, by a non-record vote.

______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House