SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 581

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the Parent Association for the Retarded of Texas, Incorporated, on the occasion of PART Day at the State Capitol, which is being celebrated April 3, 2013; and

WHEREAS, PART is an organization of volunteers who are dedicated to preserving, improving, and expanding services for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our state; the association promotes quality services for state center residents and residents in the community; and

WHEREAS, The dedicated members of PART present the parents' viewpoint to the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services, the state legislature, the United States Congress, and the general public; and

WHEREAS, This association is well known for the support it offers to state supported living center employees and its advocacy for new programs designed to meet the unique needs of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities; and

WHEREAS, Association members have been prominently involved in the development of programs for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities since the 1950s, and they have fought vigorously for improved state supported living centers, special education, and community mental health and mental retardation centers; and

WHEREAS, Today, the association continues to protect persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Texas and resolutely holds caregivers responsible for upholding standards of quality care; the organization also addresses such issues as fiscal accountability and special population needs; and

WHEREAS, The services provided by PART have been vital to the welfare of countless Texans, and members of the association are truly worthy of legislative recognition for their exceptional efforts and outstanding accomplishments; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby designate April 3, 2013, as PART Day at the State Capitol in recognition of this association's valuable contributions to the people of Texas; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for this outstanding organization as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. Duncan

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 3, 2013.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate