Congratulating Lisa McWashington of Galena Park on graduating as a member of the Texas Partners in Policymaking Class of 2025.
This resolution highlights the meaningful contributions Ms. McWashington has made to her community and underscores the significance of empowering individuals with disabilities. Her work focuses on advocating for policy changes that affect individuals with addiction and criminal records, specifically emphasizing a more rehabilitative approach to guardianship decisions. By championing the rights of those who have demonstrated personal growth and rehabilitation, the bill promotes an inclusive perspective on guardianship.
House Resolution 1081, introduced by Hernandez, recognizes Lisa McWashington of Galena Park for her achievements as a member of the Texas Partners in Policymaking Class of 2025. The program, conducted by the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities, is designed to empower individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to become effective advocates for policy change. Throughout the course of the program, participants, including Ms. McWashington, engage in extensive learning about disability history, relevant systems, and policy-making processes while interacting with experts in these areas.
While the resolution itself is largely celebratory, it touches on deeper issues regarding the intersection of disability rights, criminal justice, and rehabilitation. Advocates for policy change, like Ms. McWashington, argue that individuals with prior convictions should not be disqualified from serving as guardians solely based on their past. This raises questions about systemic barriers and the need for reforms to provide fair opportunities for those who have overcome significant challenges in their lives.