84R25995 MGB-F
By: Hughes H.R. No. 2413
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The year 2015 marks the 35th anniversary of the
founding of Young Conservatives of Texas, and the Texas House of
Representatives is pleased to recognize this significant milestone
in the organization's history; and
WHEREAS, A group of 177 students met in Austin at the Stephen
F. Austin Hotel on Texas Independence Day, March 2, 1980, to
establish Young Conservatives of Texas; and
WHEREAS, A nonpartisan and independent youth organization,
Young Conservatives of Texas was founded to attract students who
believe in a conservative philosophy of government and to afford
those students the opportunity to participate effectively in the
political process; and
WHEREAS, YCT is dedicated to promoting its Statement of
Principles, including the beliefs that the Constitution was
instituted for the protection of God-given rights, that the
American system of Federalism, describing limited government and
state sovereignty, serves to protect those rights, that economic
freedom and the free enterprise system are essential to liberty,
and that the aim of American foreign policy should be the protection
of the freedom of the American people; and
WHEREAS, For three and a half decades, YCT has served as a
strong force on college campuses throughout the state, regularly
hosting speakers and events representing a wide range of
conservative thought; and
WHEREAS, The organization is well known for inspiring young
people in our state to become involved in politics, for maintaining
an active presence as a lobby at the Texas Legislature, and for
placing alumni in all levels of government and public policy,
including the Texas Legislature and Congress; and
WHEREAS, YCT also maintains a long running and respected set
of legislative ratings that assess the actions of members of the
Texas Legislature according to their adherence to conservative
principles; and
WHEREAS, The group successfully advocates for conservative
candidates during both primary and general elections, through block
walking, phone banks, straw polls, and contributions through its
political action committee; moreover, YCT was instrumental in the
election of both Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Attorney
General Ken Paxton during the past election cycle; and
WHEREAS, YCT has benefited from the dedicated leadership of
23 state chairmen: Steve Munisteri (1980), Gary Nelson (1981), Greg
Robertson (1982), Frank Reilly (1982-1986), Richard Munisteri
(1987), Steve Stockman (1987-1988), Paul Bartley (1988-1989),
Sharin Shafer (1990-1991), Scott Gaille (1991-1992), Andy Panos
(1992-1993), Shawn Roberts (1993), David Guenthner (1994), Robert
Johnson (1994-1996), Robert Means (1996-1997), Fred Tate
(1997-1999), Liz Farrell (1999), Brent Tantillo (2000), Chris Allen
(2001-2003), David Rushing (2003-2005), Randy Samuelson
(2005-2006), David White (2006-2009), Elizabeth White (2009-2011),
and Jeff Morris (2011-Present); and
WHEREAS, YCT has many notable alumni, including former
Republican Party of Texas Chairman Steve Munisteri, U.S. Senator
Rand Paul, U.S. Congressman Jeb Hensarling, and former U.S.
Congressman Steve Stockman; and
WHEREAS, The members of Young Conservatives of Texas have
consistently worked hard to promote the conservative principles in
which they believe, and they have contributed their time and energy
to many political campaigns; on March 2, 2015, they celebrated
their group's numerous achievements during the past three and a
half decades; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby commemorate the 35th anniversary of Young
Conservatives of Texas and extend to its members sincere best
wishes for the future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the organization as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.