WHEREAS, Lillian Garland played a significant role in the formation of the Family and Medical Leave Act that was signed into law in 1993; and

WHEREAS, after taking unpaid leave to have a child, Lillian Garland attempted to return to her job at the California Federal Savings and Loan Association and learned that she had lost her employment; and

WHEREAS, Lillian Garland saw her situation as an injustice and filed a lawsuit against the California Federal Savings and Loan Association that was heard by the Supreme Court of the United States; and

WHEREAS, Lillian Garland helped to ensure that working people could take time off from work to care for a sick family member, adopt a child, or bring a baby into the world; and

WHEREAS, Lillian Garland moved to Virginia and became an active leader who works tirelessly to help her community; and

WHEREAS, Lillian Garland became the first black woman selected as exalted ruler of an Elks Lodge in Virginia and currently serves the community as a member of Woodbridge Elks Lodge No. 2355; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Lillian Garland hereby be commended for her advocacy in support of comprehensive family medical leave; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Lillian Garland as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for her service to the Commonwealth and the United States.