H.R. No. 2587
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Tom Whatley is marking 30 years of service with the
House Research Organization in 2011, and this occasion provides a
welcome opportunity to honor his outstanding efforts through the
decades; and
WHEREAS, A native of Baytown, Mr. Whatley is a graduate of The
University of Texas at Austin School of Law and joined the staff of
what was then known as the House Study Group in January 1981, after
a previous job for the United States Congress left him longing for
his home state; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Whatley was promoted to director of the House
Research Organization just five years after beginning his tenure
with the department; under his supervision, the HRO has done an
exceptional job in fulfilling its mission of providing impartial,
nonpartisan information on legislation and issues before the Texas
Legislature, including balanced insights on bills up for
consideration as well as thorough, well-researched interim reports
on major policy matters; and
WHEREAS, This dedicated state employee has helped the HRO to
meet the needs of elected officials during 16 regular sessions and
26 special sessions, overseeing the production of thousands of bill
analyses and legislative reports, and he has also been responsible
for the hiring and training of hundreds of skilled and productive
staff members; and
WHEREAS, Tom Whatley's institutional knowledge of the Texas
Legislature is legendary, and his recall of legislative facts,
history, and lore is regarded with admiration by all who know him;
his work has played an essential role in the operations of this
chamber, and it is a pleasure to recognize his contributions as he
passes this career milestone; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby honor Tom Whatley on his 30 years of service with
the House Research Organization and extend to him sincere best
wishes for continued success; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Whatley as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.
Callegari
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 2587 was adopted by the House on May
30, 2011, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House