81R27597 JKB-D By: Coleman H.R. No. 1670 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives is pleased to recognize Sharonda Joy Thomas for her outstanding work in the office of Representative Alma Allen during the 81st Legislative Session; and WHEREAS, Ms. Thomas has distinguished herself as a participant in the Texas Legislative Internship Program (TLIP) administered by the Mickey Leland Center on World Hunger and Peace at Texas Southern University; and WHEREAS, Established in 1990, TLIP provides a unique opportunity for students from Texas colleges and universities to serve as interns in the Texas Legislature, in state agencies, and in local government offices; students receive academic credit for participating in the program, which combines study and research with supervised practical training; Senator Rodney Ellis serves as a program advisor, and his office assists with coordinating on-site activities; and WHEREAS, A senior at the University of Houston-Downtown, where she is pursuing a degree in political science, Ms. Thomas has served in positions of leadership with state and local law enforcement agencies, and she is a former special agent with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Immigration and Customs Enforcement; she plans to attend law school in the fall; and WHEREAS, During her tenure as a legislative intern, Ms. Thomas has gained valuable work experience and firsthand knowledge of the governmental process, while also developing insight into the important issues facing our communities and our state; and WHEREAS, Diligent and resourceful, Sharonda Thomas has skillfully handled a variety of duties in the office of Representative Allen and ably assisted in meeting the needs of constituents, and she may reflect proudly on her service as a legislative intern; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas Legislature hereby commend Sharonda Joy Thomas for her tireless dedication and exemplary work as a participant in the Texas Legislative Internship Program and extend to her sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Ms. Thomas as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.