83R7608 BK-D

By: Canales H.R. No. 2459

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, The Honorable Aaron Pena, Jr., rendered exceptional service to his fellow citizens throughout his decade-long tenure in the Texas House of Representatives; and

WHEREAS, Representative Pena was raised in Edinburg and graduated from The University of Texas at Austin; he earned his juris doctorate from Texas Southern University before embarking on a career in law; he first won election to the Texas House in 2002 and went on to represent the citizens of House District 40 during the 78th through the 82nd Legislatures; and

WHEREAS, Representative Pena served on numerous committees, helping to develop policy on a wide range of issues; in his third term, he became chair of the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence, and he subsequently chaired the Committees on Technology and Emergency Preparedness; he was pioneering in his use of Internet media to increase government transparency and better interact with constituents; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his legislative career, Representative Pena distinguished himself as a strong advocate for the Rio Grande Valley; among his numerous achievements, he helped bring a medical school and a state-operated drug treatment center to the region; he also worked to raise teacher salaries and played a key role in establishing new facilities at The University of Texas-Pan American; in addition, he was an ardent supporter of veterans, and he endorsed legislation that expanded health insurance coverage for Texas children; and

WHEREAS, Along the way, this esteemed public servant was instrumental in the creation of the Hispanic Republican Conference of Texas, which he served as founding chair, and in 2009, he was commissioned a major in the Texas State Guard; and

WHEREAS, Representative Pena has been the recipient of myriad awards for his political leadership and contributions to Hidalgo County, including the Teddy Roosevelt Award from the McAllen Chamber of Commerce and the Champion of Freedom Award from the Texas Federation of Republican Women; and

WHEREAS, In his 10 years as a state representative, Aaron Pena, Jr., made a positive and lasting impact on the lives of countless citizens, and his achievements will continue to benefit the Lone Star State for years to come; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby commend the Honorable Aaron Pena, Jr., for his outstanding public service and extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further

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