84R12929 CJM-D By: Herrero H.R. No. 1653 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Members of the South Texas Youth Congress are gathering at the State Capitol April 7-9, 2015; and WHEREAS, The South Texas Youth Congress is sponsored by the Dream Forward Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating programs that encourage civic participation; elected by fellow students from high schools in 14 South Texas counties, the members of STYC focus on developing public policy ideas and proposals for legislative action to benefit their communities; and WHEREAS, For the 84th Texas Legislature, the organization's initiatives include a plan entitled Southern Opportunities onLine, which is intended to provide residents of South Texas with improved academic resources and other benefits; the proposal advocates the establishment of a law school in the Rio Grande Valley, calls for improved access to live video-based college courses throughout the region, and recommends the installation of fiber optic connections to expand the reach and efficiency of schools and public services; and WHEREAS, By involving themselves in the legislative process and working to enhance the quality of life for their fellow citizens, members of the South Texas Youth Congress have set an example of leadership to which other young Texans may aspire; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby honor the South Texas Youth Congress for its dedicated efforts and extend a warm welcome to its members during their visit to the State Capitol; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the South Texas Youth Congress as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.