H.R. No. 188
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The passing of Kate Garrison of Collin County on
August 26, 2021, has brought a profound loss to her friends and
colleagues, as well as to all those whose lives she touched through
her advocacy for Texans with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in Peekskill in New York's lower
Hudson Valley, Kate Garrison earned her bachelor's degree in
sociology from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she was a
member of the Alpha Kappa Delta honor society; she enjoyed a varied
career during which she worked for major corporations as a human
resources professional and training consultant; at other times, she
was employed as a preschool teacher and horseback riding
instructor, and she was also a standout competitive polo player in
the 1980s and 1990s; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Garrison's life took a pivotal turn when she
suffered a fall that left her without the use of her lower body; her
experiences gave her keen insight into accessibility issues and the
everyday struggles faced by people with disabilities, and her
commitment to ensuring equal voting rights led to the creation of
curbside voting standards in Collin County; seeking to build upon
the momentum of that victory, she went on to deliver a powerful
testimony before the Texas Legislature in her quest to establish
curbside voting standards statewide; and
WHEREAS, A stalwart Democrat who dedicated everything she had
to her ideals, Ms. Garrison served as founding president of the
Collin County Democrats with Disabilities, as vice chair of the
Texas Democrats with Disabilities, and as a precinct chair in
Plano; she enjoyed warm friendships with many of those who shared
her devotion to the causes she held dear, and through her actions
and her example, she inspired others to believe that they too could
make a difference; and
WHEREAS, Kate Garrison earned the admiration and affection of
those around her through her unfaltering determination and strength
in the face of adversity, and she will be profoundly missed by all
who had the privilege of sharing in her extraordinary life; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas
Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the memory
of Kate Garrison and extend heartfelt condolences to her friends
and supporters; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That when the Texas House of Representatives
adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Kate Garrison.
González of Dallas
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 188 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on September 2, 2021.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House