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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, In February 2021, citizens across Texas experienced |
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the devastating effects of Winter Storm Uri, and in Harris County, |
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Judge Lina Hidalgo played an important role in helping the |
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community respond to this unprecedented emergency; and |
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WHEREAS, Prior to the storm, Judge Hidalgo warned Texans |
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about the upcoming crisis and provided guidance on how to prepare; |
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she called attention to the high probability of power outages, |
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dangerous outdoor conditions, and road closures, and she ensured |
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that emergency personnel and homeless outreach organizations were |
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notified about county-operated warming shelters; and |
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WHEREAS, As the storm progressed, Judge Hidalgo signed a |
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disaster declaration for the county and communicated important |
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information regarding the widespread power outages and the threat |
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of carbon monoxide poisoning; in addition, when a backup generator |
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failed at the Harris County Public Health Department building, she |
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was instrumental in coordinating the distribution of thousands of |
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vaccines before they were affected by lack of refrigeration; she |
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also guided the Harris County Office of Homeland Security and |
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Emergency Management in dispersing water, meals, personal |
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protective equipment, blankets, and cots to area residents; and |
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WHEREAS, Judge Hidalgo partnered with Houston Mayor |
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Sylvester Turner to establish the Houston Harris County Winter |
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Storm Relief Fund; the initiative provides grants to nonprofit |
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organizations that help support residents with needs that are not |
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being met by other local and federal efforts, including those |
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requiring plumbing and home repairs and temporary housing; and |
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WHEREAS, Demonstrating exceptional initiative and |
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perseverance during a time of crisis, Lina Hidalgo dedicated time |
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and directed community resources to assist those in need, and she is |
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indeed deserving of special recognition for her contributions; now, |
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therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas |
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Legislature hereby honor Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo for her |
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leadership during Winter Storm Uri and extend to her deep |
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appreciation for her exemplary public service; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for Judge Hidalgo as an expression of high regard by the |
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Texas House of Representatives. |