BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center C.S.H.B. 3209 83R29397 EAH-D By: Alonzo; Menndez (Uresti) Administration 5/15/2013 Committee Report (Substituted)
BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center C.S.H.B. 3209
83R29397 EAH-D By: Alonzo; Menndez (Uresti)
Administration
5/15/2013
Committee Report (Substituted)
Senate Research Center
C.S.H.B. 3209
83R29397 EAH-D
By: Alonzo; Menndez (Uresti)
Administration
5/15/2013
Committee Report (Substituted)
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT Willie Velasquez was a leader of the movement to increase political power and participation among Hispanic Americans. He envisioned a time when Latinos would play an important role in the American democratic process. As part of his efforts, Velasquez founded the Southwest Voter Registration and Education Project in 1974. This project grew to be the nation's largest voter registration project aimed at the Hispanic community. Velasquez was also a leader of a Hispanic-American political party, La Raza Unida, and alongside Cesar Chavez, led the famous 1968 farmworkers' strike in south Texas. In 1995 President Bill Clinton awarded Velasquez the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor any civilian can receive. Velazquez was only the second Latino ever to earn that honor. C.S.H.B. 3209 amends current law relating to creating a recognition day in honor of Willie Velasquez. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter C, Chapter 662, Government Code, by adding Section 662.060, as follows: Sec. 662.060. WILLIE VELASQUEZ DAY. (a) Provides that May 9 is Willie Velasquez Day in observance of the birthday of William "Willie" Cardenas Velasquez. (b) Requires that Willie Velasquez Day be regularly observed by appropriate ceremonies and activities. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2013.
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Willie Velasquez was a leader of the movement to increase political power and participation among Hispanic Americans. He envisioned a time when Latinos would play an important role in the American democratic process.
As part of his efforts, Velasquez founded the Southwest Voter Registration and Education Project in 1974. This project grew to be the nation's largest voter registration project aimed at the Hispanic community.
Velasquez was also a leader of a Hispanic-American political party, La Raza Unida, and alongside Cesar Chavez, led the famous 1968 farmworkers' strike in south Texas.
In 1995 President Bill Clinton awarded Velasquez the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor any civilian can receive. Velazquez was only the second Latino ever to earn that honor.
C.S.H.B. 3209 amends current law relating to creating a recognition day in honor of Willie Velasquez.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter C, Chapter 662, Government Code, by adding Section 662.060, as follows:
Sec. 662.060. WILLIE VELASQUEZ DAY. (a) Provides that May 9 is Willie Velasquez Day in observance of the birthday of William "Willie" Cardenas Velasquez.
(b) Requires that Willie Velasquez Day be regularly observed by appropriate ceremonies and activities.
SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2013.