Bill Text: VA HJR47 | 2014 | Regular Session | Enrolled

Virginia House Joint Resolution 47 (Prior Session Legislation)

Bill Title: Commending Melanie Rhoades Gerheart.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 3-0)

Status: (Passed) 2014-01-16 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ47ER) [HJR47 Detail]

Download: Virginia-2014-HJR47-Enrolled.html

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 47 Commending Melanie Rhoades Gerheart.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 10, 2014 Agreed to by the Senate, January 16, 2014

WHEREAS, Melanie Rhoades Gerheart is a woman of the highest integrity and professionalism whose career for many years reminded legislators, fellow lobbyists, and her healthcare clients that wit and good humor really do have a place in the political process; and

WHEREAS, Melanie Gerheart was a successful lobbyist of the old school: honest to a fault, fair to the other side, and a keen observer of the occasional pomposity, whether offered by a legislator or colleague, friend or foe; and

WHEREAS, Melanie Gerheart's advocacy in public policy and politics long embraced the proposition that even the most disadvantaged among Virginia's citizenry deserve the best treatment the Commonwealth's healthcare professions can offer; and

WHEREAS, Melanie Gerheart served faithfully as lobbyist, consultant, and advisor to many healthcare organizations during her career, including CHIP of Virginia, Virginia Emergency Physicians, Virginia Society of Anesthesiologists, Virginia OB-GYN Society, and District IV of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; and

WHEREAS, during a long career in public policy and politics, Melanie Gerheart has earned the trust, confidence, and respect of members of the General Assembly while representing the interests of her healthcare clients; and

WHEREAS, during this same time, Melanie Gerheart also formed lasting friendships with and earned the respect of the many lobbyist colleagues, policymakers, and state employees with whom she worked; and

WHEREAS, not only her clients, but also legislators, healthcare professionals, and General Assembly staff have relied on Melanie Gerheart's robust intellect, loyalty, determination, that wonderful sense of humor, and her sustaining leadership in dealing with the many legislative and policy issues relating to healthcare in Virginia; and

WHEREAS, Melanie Gerheart has worked in conjunction with the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association, Virginia Association of Health Plans, and the Medical Society of Virginia, often bringing these groups and their occasionally fractious members together to solve difficult issues; and

WHEREAS, even in the face of overwhelming physical odds in the more recent legislative sessions, Melanie Gerheart continued to fight for the rights of physicians, their patients, and others to enhance the physician-patient relationship; and

WHEREAS, Melanie Gerheart's wise counsel, ability to negotiate effectively, and broad knowledge have been responsible for advancing the provision of healthcare to millions of Virginians; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Melanie Rhoades Gerheart for her exemplary service; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Melanie Rhoades Gerheart as an expression of the General Assembly's deepest gratitude, thanks, and love.