H.R. No. 1138
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Noted musician Ray Benson has given generously of
his time and talents to promote water conservation, a top priority
in the drought-plagued Lone Star State; and
WHEREAS, An Austin resident since the early 1970s, Mr. Benson
leads the band Asleep at the Wheel, long the standard-bearer for
western swing and Bob Wills's music; he has written a host of
popular songs, among them "Dance With Who Brung You," "Texas Me and
You," and "The Letter That Johnny Walker Read"; and
WHEREAS, This civic-minded Texan has championed
environmental causes since the 1990s, when he became involved with
Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve; in addition to serving on its
board, he has performed at a number of benefits in its behalf; and
WHEREAS, In 2008, Mr. Benson joined the Austin Water Utility
campaign to encourage water conservation; he composed a catchy
jingle titled "Observe & Conserve," advising consumers to "watch
your water like it was your son or daughter," and his sonorous
baritone has reached innumerable television viewers with this
urgent message; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Benson has continued to serve as a voice for
water conservation, sharing his knowledge of simple actions that
can save water in daily life; moreover, he sets an inspiring example
of environmental stewardship through his own implementation of such
measures as a rainwater collection system; and
WHEREAS, Deeply appreciative of the state's natural beauty,
Mr. Benson served as the narrator for Wildflowers: Seeds of
History, a 2011 documentary for public television station KLRU and
the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center; he has also lent his
support to a number of worthy causes in the Central Texas area; a
founder and board member of the Health Alliance for Austin
Musicians and the SIMS Foundation, he has served on the boards of
KLRU/Austin City Limits, St. David's Community Healthcare
Foundation, and the Texas Cultural Trust, as well as on the advisory
boards of Austin Lyric Opera and Ballet Austin; in October 2011, he
produced a star-studded benefit concert that raised more than $1
million in one evening for the victims of area wildfires; and
WHEREAS, The recipient of numerous musical accolades, among
them nine Grammy Awards, Mr. Benson has also been recognized for his
contributions to the wider community; he was named the 2011 Texan of
the Year by the Texas Legislative Conference; and
WHEREAS, The availability of water is crucial to the
well-being of all Texans and to the prosperity of the Lone Star
State, and through his commitment to the cause of conservation, Ray
Benson is helping to build a brighter future for generations to
come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature hereby honor Ray Benson for his dedicated efforts to
promote water conservation and extend to him sincere best wishes
for continued success with this important endeavor; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Benson as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.
McClendon
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1138 was adopted by the House on April
10, 2013, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House