H.R. No. 2666

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Kathryn Hairston and the Texas Secretary of State Colonia Initiatives Program are helping to bring positive change to communities along the Texas/Mexico border; and

WHEREAS, In 1999 legislators advanced efforts to provide water and wastewater services to colonias in Texas; this action resulted in the creation of the Colonia Initiatives Program within the Texas Border and Mexican Affairs Division of the secretary of state's office; coordinators and ombudspersons with the program serve as advocates for colonia residents, ensuring that their homes are connected to services; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Hairston is an El Paso-based ombudsperson, and her duties include conducting meetings with local residents, state agencies, elected officials, municipal and county governments, utility companies, and nonprofit organizations; she goes door-to-door to collect information, monitors the progress of projects, and serves as a facilitator as well; and

WHEREAS, The work of Ms. Hairston and her colleagues is strengthening the physical and social infrastructure of colonia communities, and it is appropriate to recognize the role these committed public servants play in assuring the provision of necessary services; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby honor Kathryn Hairston and the Texas Secretary of State Colonia Initiatives Program for their service to the El Paso area and extend to Ms. Hairston sincere best wishes for continued success with her important work; and, be it further

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

M. Gonzalez of El Paso

______________________________ Speaker of the House

I certify that H.R. No. 2666 was adopted by the House on May 24, 2013, by a non-record vote.

______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House