SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 616

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to pay tribute to the Honorable Ben Frank Barnes, former legislator and lieutenant governor, on the occasion of his 75th birthday, on April 17, 2013; and

WHEREAS, Ben Barnes was first elected to statewide office in 1960 at the age of 22; he represented District 73 in the Texas House of Representatives during the 57th Legislature and went on to serve in the House for eight years; a charismatic statesman who quickly became known for his political expertise, he was elected Speaker of the House at the age of 26, and presided over the 59th and 60th Legislatures; and

WHEREAS, He ran for lieutenant governor in 1968 at the age of 30, and in winning that election, he received more votes than any statewide candidate in Texas history and became the state's youngest lieutenant governor; and

WHEREAS, During his exceptional legislative service, Ben Barnes made strides on behalf of progressive causes such as civil rights and was particularly focused on the funding and improvement of Texas public and higher education; and

WHEREAS, A highly respected politician and a protégé of President Lyndon Baines Johnson, he worked hard to create policies that promoted social justice and was a strong advocate for the common man; he also had an understanding of the significant role of business in the state's economy, and he helped to transform Texas into a hub of high technology; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his valuable legislative leadership in this state, Ben Barnes distinguished himself on the national level as a United States representative at a North Atlantic Treaty Organization conference in Brussels, Belgium, and as a United Nations representative in Geneva, Switzerland; and

WHEREAS, A man of many talents and great versatility, he has served as vice chairman of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library Foundation and Library and as a member of the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute and Library, The University of Texas Development Board, and the Texas Coalition for Excellence in Higher Education; he is a recipient of the Ellis Island Congressional Medal of Honor and The University of Texas Distinguished Alumni Award; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby honor Ben Frank Barnes for his outstanding contributions to this state and extend to him sincere best wishes on the occasion of his 75th birthday; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for Ben Barnes as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. Watson

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 8, 2013.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate