H.R. No. 2499
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Arturo S. Rodriguez, president of the United Farm
Workers, is celebrating his 60th birthday on June 23, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Rodriguez assumed the leadership of the UFW in
1993, following the death of Cesar Chavez; during his presidency,
he has worked tirelessly to continue building the union that Mr.
Chavez founded and to develop it into a powerful voice for
agricultural laborers; Mr. Rodriguez is committed to achieving such
vital goals for farmworkers as decent pay, health coverage, job
security, retirement benefits, protection against toxic chemicals
and other substances, and guarantees against discrimination and
sexual harassment; in addition, he strives to make it easier for
workers to organize and negotiate union contracts; and
WHEREAS, Under his able leadership, the UFW has grown in
membership and won a number of important victories; among its
recent successes have been agreements with one of the nation's
largest vegetable growers, as well as the country's biggest
strawberry operation, rose producer, winery, and dairy; and
WHEREAS, Born in San Antonio, Mr. Rodriguez earned a
bachelor's degree from St. Mary's University in 1971 and a master's
degree in social work from the University of Michigan in 1973; he
became active with the UFW grape boycott while an undergraduate and
organized support for farmworker boycotts during his student days
in Michigan; a resident of Keene, California, Mr. Rodriguez has
worked full-time with the UFW since 1973; and
WHEREAS, One of this nation's foremost labor leaders, Arturo
Rodriguez continues to render outstanding service in behalf of
farmworkers in the United States, and it is indeed fitting that he
be recognized for his significant contributions to the advancement
of social and economic justice; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Arturo S. Rodriguez on the occasion
of his 60th birthday and commend him for his unwavering efforts to
secure a brighter future for America's farmworkers and their
families; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Rodriguez as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.
Chavez
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 2499 was adopted by the House on May
28, 2009, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House