By: Zaffirini, Alvarado, Blanco, FloresHinojosa, Hughes, Johnson, LaMantiaMenéndez, West, Whitmire S.R. No. 216
Hinojosa, Hughes, Johnson, LaMantia
Menéndez, West, Whitmire
SENATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Hispanic judges from across the state are
gathering in Austin on February 22, 2023, in celebration of Texas
Hispanic Judges' Day at the State Capitol; and
WHEREAS, The Hispanic population of Texas is at least 40
percent, yet Hispanic judges account for only 16 percent of the
state's judiciary; and
WHEREAS, Hispanic judges have contributed significantly
to justice across the State of Texas, as exemplified by
trailblazers Reynaldo Garza, U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth
Circuit; Pete Benavides, U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit;
Raul Gonzalez, Texas Supreme Court; Eva Guzman, Texas Supreme
Court; Elsa Alcala, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals; Linda Yanez,
Thirteenth Court of Appeals; Carlos Cadena, Fourth Court of
Appeals; Alma Lopez, Fourth Court of Appeals; and Elma Salinas
Ender, 341st Judicial District Court, to name a few; and
WHEREAS, In collaboration with the Hispanic Issues Section
of the State Bar of Texas, Hispanic judges formed the first
statewide Hispanic judges' organization with the mission of
advancing current and future Hispanic judges, promoting
diversity, inclusion, integrity, and excellence in the
judiciary, and recognizing their contributions to the Texas
judicial system; and
WHEREAS, Advancing equal justice is the mission of all
judges, and today the more than 500 Hispanic individuals who
serve on courts throughout the state exemplify the highest
standards of judicial conduct and demonstrate their dedication
to the people of Texas through their public service on and off the
bench, which is truly an inspiration to us all; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 88th Texas Legislature
hereby recognize February 22, 2023, as Texas Hispanic Judges' Day
at the State Capitol, commend Hispanic judges of Texas for their
commitment to equal justice under the law, and extend to all
those participating in this event sincere best wishes for a
memorable and enjoyable visit to Austin.