Bill Text: TX HR1848 | 2017-2018 | 85th Legislature | Enrolled

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Bill Title: Honoring Chris Kyker of Abilene for her public service.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2017-05-17 - Reported enrolled [HR1848 Detail]

Download: Texas-2017-HR1848-Enrolled.html

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H.R. No. 1848

R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Chris Kyker is stepping down from her role with the
Texas Silver-Haired Legislature in 2017, and the conclusion of her
25 years with that organization provides a fitting opportunity to
recognize her extraordinary record of public service; and
WHEREAS, First elected to the TSHL from West Central Texas in
1992, Ms. Kyker presided over its sessions for two terms as
speaker, chaired the state affairs and technology committees, and
served on the executive, finance, legislative, and directory
committees; she also held a seat on the TSHL Foundation Board of
Directors for eight years, and she is the founding curator of the
TSHL Archives; in appreciation for her outstanding efforts to
advance the mission of the organization, she has been presented
with the Governor's Lifetime Achievement Award, the TSHL
Outstanding Leadership Award, and, on two occasions, the TSHL
Foundation Texas Silver Star Award; in 2008, she was designated
speaker emeritus; and
WHEREAS, A longtime, passionate advocate for the elderly and
those with disabilities, Ms. Kyker led the Texas Department on
Aging as its founding executive director from 1979 to 1984; before
assuming the helm of that agency, she served as executive director
of the Abilene Mental Health Association from 1963 to 1974 and as
founding director of the West Central Texas Area Agency on Aging
from 1974 to 1979; she subsequently served as a program specialist
with the Texas Department of Human Resources from 1984 to 1986 and
as founding president/CEO of Disability Resources, in Abilene, from
1986 to 1992; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished Texan has also served in a
volunteer capacity with more than 30 organizations and other
bodies; she has held gubernatorial appointments to the Transition
Legislative Oversight Committee and the Governor's Advisory
Council on Physical Fitness, and she has further served as
president of the National Mental Health Association Staff Council
and as a member of several advisory councils for The University of
Texas School of Social Work; in addition, she served as Texas state
coordinator in connection with the 1981 White House Conference on
Aging and as a delegate to the 2005 conference; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Kyker is an alumna of Abilene Christian
University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in English and
drama and master's degrees in speech education and communication;
moreover, she is a licensed master social worker; in recognition of
her myriad accomplishments, she was selected as Texas Outstanding
Senior Advocate by the Texas Conference on Aging in 2006 and as
Outstanding Alumnus of the Year by ACU in 2008; in 2015, she was
selected to represent Texas in a series of profiles celebrating the
50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act; and
WHEREAS, Chris Kyker's abiding concern for the welfare of
others and her incisive leadership have helped to shape both public
policy and the provision of social services in the Lone Star State,
and Texans will continue to benefit from her achievements for years
to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby honor Chris Kyker for her immeasurable
contributions in behalf of her fellow citizens and extend to her
sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Ms. Kyker as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.
Lambert
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1848 was adopted by the House on May
12, 2017, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House