84R7449 BPG-D
By: Raymond H.R. No. 403
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Texas Silver-Haired Legislature is celebrating
its 30th anniversary on February 16, 2015, and this occasion
provides a welcome opportunity to honor this noteworthy
organization; and
WHEREAS, In 1985, the 69th Texas Legislature authorized the
creation of the TSHL, which met for its first session in the house
chambers during the following interim; the group represents older
constituents, and its members, who are at least 60 years of age, are
elected to two-year terms by their peers in 28 districts across the
state; and
WHEREAS, The TSHL promotes good government for all Texans by
encouraging active participation in civic life; its members assist
in formulating legislative priorities and serve as a resource to
the public and private sectors on matters of concern to seniors; in
addition, the organization provides advocacy training to help
members become more effective in the civic life of their own
communities; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, TSHL involvement has resulted in
legislative action on a number of issues; such instances include
the passage of laws freezing city, county, and junior college
district taxes for elderly and disabled homeowners, creating the
Silver Alert for missing seniors, requiring criminal background
checks for employees at special care facilities, and providing
custodial grandparents with the ability to enroll their
grandchildren in school; moreover, the TSHL played a key role in the
establishment of the Joint Legislative Committee on Aging; and
WHEREAS, The vitality of our democratic system depends on the
engagement of an informed citizenry, and for three decades, the
Texas Silver-Haired Legislature has partnered successfully with
the Texas Legislature, serving as a vital source of wisdom,
knowledge, and experience; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Texas
Silver-Haired Legislature and honor the members of the organization
for their outstanding contributions to the Lone Star State; 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.