SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 330
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to honor
Joe J. Bernal, a beloved former state legislator, on the grand
occasion of his 90th birthday; and
WHEREAS, Joe Bernal was born on March 1, 1927, in San Antonio;
he earned a bachelor of arts degree in sociology from Trinity
University, a master of education degree from Our Lady of the Lake
College, and a doctoral degree in cultural foundations in education
from The University of Texas at Austin; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Bernal has dedicated his life to helping his
fellow citizens and to empowering the vulnerable; he served his
country as a member of the United States Army and served his
community as an educator and a social worker, and in 1964, he was
elected a member of the Texas House of Representatives; after one
term as a representative, he was elected senator for District 26; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his legislative career, Dr. Bernal
advocated for the interests of the elderly, minorities, and other
disadvantaged citizens; his many legislative accomplishments
include establishing The University of Texas at San Antonio,
creating free statewide kindergarten for certain five-year-olds,
and authorizing the first minimum wage law in Texas; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Bernal was elected to the State Board of
Education in 1996; during his 10 years on the board, he was a member
of all board committees, and he served as chairman of the Committee
on Instruction; a middle school in San Antonio that opened in 2014
was named in his honor; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Bernal is highly respected for his many
outstanding accomplishments, and he has been recognized on numerous
occasions for his tireless work as an advocate on behalf of citizens
and equal educational opportunities; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th
Legislature, hereby commend Joe J. Bernal for his many
contributions to the Lone Star State and extend to him best
wishes on his 90th birthday; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
him as a memento of this special day.
Menéndez
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 28, 2017.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate