(Tuesday, February 1, 2011)

The Senate met at 11:05 a.m. pursuant to adjournment and was called to order by Senator Eltife.

The roll was called and the following Senators were present:  Birdwell, Davis, Deuell, Duncan, Ellis, Eltife, Estes, Fraser, Gallegos, Harris, Hegar, Hinojosa, Huffman, Jackson, Lucio, Nelson, Nichols, Ogden, Patrick, Rodriguez, Seliger, Shapiro, Uresti, Watson, Wentworth, West, Whitmire, Williams, Zaffirini.

Absent-excused:  Carona, Van de Putte.

The Presiding Officer announced that a quorum of the Senate was present.

The Reverend Don Long, former Senate Doorkeeper, offered the invocation as follows:

Our Father, which art in heaven, whose wisdom and goodness manifest themselves in all the works of creation, we ask Your blessing upon Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst, these Senators, and all Senate staff personnel during this legislative session. May they remember the words from the prophet Ezekiel: Thus saith the Lord God:  Let it suffice you, O rulers: remove violence and spoil, and execute judgment and justice, and stop dispossessing my people, saith the Lord God. (Ezekiel 45:9) As this august body honors the memory of Foy Watson today, we thank You so much for this man who served his country during World War II, and we thank You for saving his life during the battle at Okinawa. We are grateful to You for his service to the U.S. government in his over 35 years with the IRS. We appreciate his dedication to his family. How blessed has been the Crestview Baptist Church here in Austin for his many years of service as a deacon and treasurer of that church. Lastly, we thank You for the many years of service to the Texas State Senate as one of the doorkeepers and as "The Elevator Man." Let Your grace descend in abundance upon his family and upon those of us who knew and loved him. Let us remember the words of the poet, E. Margaret Clarkson:  Through faith we understand the things we cannot know, the hidden pattern God has planned, and why each thread is so; we trace life's vast design and lose His golden strand, but when our wills with His entwine through faith we understand. Amen.

Senator Whitmire moved that the reading of the Journal of the proceedings of the previous day be dispensed with and the Journal be approved as printed.

The motion prevailed without objection.

On motion of Senator Whitmire, Senator Carona was granted leave of absence for today on account of inclement weather.

On motion of Senator Whitmire, Senator Van de Putte was granted leave of absence for today on account of a death in the family.

HOUSE CHAMBER

Austin, Texas

February 1, 2011

The Honorable President of the Senate

Senate Chamber

Austin, Texas

Mr. President:

I am directed by the House to inform the Senate that the House has taken the following action:

THE HOUSE HAS PASSED THE FOLLOWING MEASURES:

HCR 35, Recognizing February 1, 2011, as Texas Tech University System Day.

HCR 36, Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature.

Respectfully,

/s/Robert Haney, Chief Clerk

House of Representatives

Senator Deuell was recognized and presented Dr. Paul Guttuso of Mabank as the Physician of the Day.

The Senate welcomed Dr. Guttuso and thanked him for his participation in the Physician of the Day program sponsored by the Texas Academy of Family Physicians.

The following Messages from the Governor were read and were referred to the Committee on Nominations:

February 1, 2011

Austin, Texas

TO THE SENATE OF THE EIGHTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, REGULAR SESSION:

I ask the advice, consent and confirmation of the Senate with respect to the following appointments:

To be a member of the Texas Workforce Commission for a term to expire February 1, 2017:

Ronald Congleton

Austin, Texas

Mr. Congleton is being reappointed.

To be the Executive Commissioner of Health and Human Services for a term to expire February 1, 2013:

Thomas M. Suehs

Austin, Texas

Commissioner Suehs is being reappointed.

To be the Commissioner of Workers' Compensation for a term to expire February 1, 2013:

Roderick Bordelon, Jr.

Austin, Texas

Mr. Bordelon is being reappointed.

To the Office of Public Utility Counsel for a term to expire February 1, 2013:

Sheri Sanders Givens

Round Rock, Texas

Ms. Givens is being reappointed.

To be the Public Counsel for the Office of Public Insurance Counsel for a term to expire February 1, 2013:

Deeia Beck

Austin, Texas

Ms. Beck is being reappointed.

To be members of the Stephen F. Austin State University Board of Regents for terms to expire January 31, 2017:

Brigettee Henderson

Lufkin, Texas

(replacing Melvin White of Pflugerville whose term expired)

Kenton E. Schaefer

Brownsville, Texas

(replacing James Thompson of Sugar Land whose term expired)

Ralph C. Todd

Carthage, Texas

(replacing Richard Boyer of The Colony whose term expired)

To be a member of the Texas Facilities Commission for a term to expire January 31, 2017:

Betty Reinbeck

Sealy, Texas

Ms. Reinbeck is being reappointed.

To be members of the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents for terms to expire January 31, 2017:

Larry K. Anders

Plano, Texas

(Mr. Anders is being reappointed)

Debra Montford

San Antonio, Texas

(Ms. Montford is being reappointed)

John D. Steinmetz

Lubbock, Texas

(replacing Daniel Serna of Arlington whose term expired)

To be presiding officer of the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority for a term to expire February 1, 2013:

Ray A. Wilkerson

Austin, Texas

Mr. Wilkerson is being reappointed.

To be the State Commissioner of Education for a term commensurate with the term of the Governor:

Robert P. Scott

Austin, Texas

Commissioner Scott is being reappointed.

To be members of the University of Texas System Board of Regents for terms to expire February 1, 2017:

Alexis "Alex" Cranberg

Austin, Texas

(replacing Janiece Longoria of Houston whose term expired)

Wallace L. Hall, Jr.

Dallas, Texas

(replacing Colleen McHugh of Corpus Christi whose term expired)

Brenda Pejovich

Dallas, Texas

(Ms. Pejovich is being reappointed)

To be the Adjutant General of Texas for a term to expire February 1, 2013:

John F. Nichols

Spring Branch, Texas

General Nichols is replacing General Jose Mayorga, Jr., of Round Rock whose term expired.

To be members of the Parks and Wildlife Commission for terms to expire February 1, 2017:

T. Dan Friedkin

Houston, Texas

(Mr. Friedkin is being reappointed)

Richard "Dick" Scott

Wimberley, Texas

(replacing Mark Bivins of Amarillo whose term expired)

To be the Texas State Board of Education Chair for a term to expire February 1, 2013:

Gail Lowe

Lampasas, Texas

Ms. Lowe is being reappointed.

To be the Texas Youth Commission Independent Ombudsman for a term to expire February 1, 2013:

Debbie Unruh

Austin, Texas

Captain Unruh is being reappointed.

Respectfully submitted,

/s/Rick Perry

Governor

February 1, 2011

Austin, Texas

TO THE SENATE OF THE EIGHTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, REGULAR SESSION:

On January 19, 2011, I submitted the name of Wallace L. Hall, Jr., for appointment to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for a term to expire August 31, 2015.

Because he resigned, I hereby withdraw his nomination and request that the Senate return the appointment to me.

Respectfully submitted,

/s/Rick Perry

Governor

Senator Deuell offered the following resolution:

SR 102, Congratulating Celeste Prather-Young on receiving the 2010 Executive Director of the Year Award by Texas Court Appointed Special Advocates.

The resolution was again read.

The resolution was previously adopted on Wednesday, January 26, 2011.

Senator Deuell was recognized and introduced to the Senate Celeste Prather-Young of CASA.

The Senate welcomed its guest.

Senator Seliger offered the following resolution:

SR 144, Recognizing February 1, 2011, as Andrews County Day at the State Capitol.

The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.

Senator Seliger was recognized and introduced to the Senate Lynn Fisher, Andrews City Councilmember; Adrian Gonzalez, Andrews Economic Development Corporation; Russell Shannon, Andrews Independent School District Board of Trustees; Julia Wallace, Andrews Chamber of Commerce; Richard H. Dolgener, Andrews County Judge; and a delegation of citizens from Andrews County.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator Nelson offered the following resolution:

SR 141, Recognizing February 1, 2011, as CASA Day at the State Capitol.

The resolution was again read.

The resolution was previously adopted on Monday, January 31, 2011.

Senator Nelson was recognized and introduced to the Senate a delegation of the CASA membership.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator Ogden offered the following resolution:

SR 133, Honoring the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and the Texas Veterinary Medical Association.

The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.

Senator Ogden was recognized and introduced to the Senate Dr. Eleanor Green, Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University; Joseph Pluhar and Sarah Kline, Texas A&M veterinary medicine students; Dr. Larry Kornegay, President of the American Veterinary Medical Association; Dr. Lori Teller, President of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association; and Dr. Leon Russell, Past President of the World Veterinary Association.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

The Presiding Officer laid before the Senate the following resolution:

WHEREAS, Distinguished representatives of the Texas Tech University System are gathering at the State Capitol on February 1, 2011, to celebrate the system's vital role in the Lone Star State; and

WHEREAS, The TTU System, governed by a nine-member board of regents and chancellor Kent Hance, consists of Texas Tech University, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, and Angelo State University; the system currently enrolls more than 42,000 students, employs some 18,000 faculty and staff members, and counts over 250,000 alumni; and

WHEREAS, Looking to the future, the system has developed five strategic priorities, including improving access to education and promoting learning, strengthening the academic excellence of member institutions, expanding knowledge through research, serving its communities, and effectively managing its resources; and

WHEREAS, Each component of the system provides unique educational opportunities; Texas Tech University is a major comprehensive research university, led by Dr. Guy Bailey; enrolling more than 31,600 students in 12 colleges and schools, TTU offers more than 150 undergraduate programs, 100 master's programs, and 60 doctoral programs, and it is among a select group of institutions to shelter a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa; and

WHEREAS, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is composed of the TTUHSC School of Medicine, the School of Allied Health Sciences, the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, the Anita Thigpen Perry School of Nursing, the School of Pharmacy, and the new Paul L. Foster School of Medicine in El Paso, which seated its first class in July 2009; overseen by Dr. Tedd L. Mitchell, TTUHSC enrolls nearly 3,700 students and boasts more than 11,000 alumni; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 1928, Angelo State University enrolls more than 6,800 students in six colleges and is directed by Dr. Joseph C. Rallo; ASU was the first university in the state to offer a degree in computer science and the institution's physics department has been designated by Physics Today as one of the top undergraduate programs in the nation; and

WHEREAS, The Texas Tech University System has provided countless students with an outstanding education and a strong foundation for the future, and in so doing, it has contributed to the remarkable achievements of the state as a whole; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the 82nd Legislature of the State of Texas hereby recognize February 1, 2011, as Texas Tech University System Day at the State Capitol and extend a warm welcome to all those from the TTU System who are visiting here today.

DUNCAN

HCR 35 was read.

On motion of Senator Duncan, the resolution was considered immediately and was adopted by a viva voce vote.

All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of the resolution except as follows:

Absent-excused:  Carona, Van de Putte.

Senator Duncan was recognized and introduced to the Senate representatives of Texas Tech University: Stephen Souter, Chancellor Kent Hance, Guy Bailey, and Tedd Mitchell, as well as Joseph Rallo, Angelo State University.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator Hinojosa offered the following resolution:

SR 111, Recognizing February 1, 2011, as McAllen Day at the State Capitol.

HINOJOSA

LUCIO

The resolution was read and was adopted without objection.

Senator Hinojosa was recognized and introduced to the Senate McAllen City Commissioners Marcus Barrera and John Ingram; Bob McCreery and Steve Ahlenius, McAllen Chamber of Commerce; and Don King, McAllen Economic Development Corporation.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator Uresti was recognized and introduced to the Senate members of the Texas Association of Mexican-American Chambers of Commerce.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator Birdwell offered the following resolution:

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to join Texans across the state in celebrating February 1, 2011, as Baylor University Day at the State Capitol; and

WHEREAS, Established February 1, 1845, by an act of the Congress of the Republic of Texas, Baylor University is the oldest continually operating university in the state; it traces its roots to an 1841 meeting of the Union Baptist Association at which the Reverend William Milton Tryon and State District Judge R. E. B. Baylor offered a proposal to create a Baptist university in Texas; and

WHEREAS, Baylor University has grown to become a nationally ranked liberal arts institution with more than 14,000 students; it offers degrees in 151 areas of study, preprofessional tracks, and specialized academic opportunities; students are able to interact with full-time faculty from their first days on campus; and

WHEREAS, In addition to its rigorous curriculum, the university offers a dynamic and invigorating campus life; from concerts to Big 12 athletics to an active community of faith, students have a wide array of options to complement their academic careers; its students, faculty, and staff annually provide more than 150,000 hours of local community service; and

WHEREAS, For more than 150 years, Baylor University has played a vital role in providing Texans with a firm foundation for future success; it is truly deserving of recognition for its commitment to educational excellence; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd Legislature, hereby commend the students, faculty, staff, and alumni of Baylor University for their many contributions to the progress of our state and extend to the university's delegation a sincere welcome to the State Capitol for Baylor University Day; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared as a memento of this special occasion.

BIRDWELL

HARRIS

WATSON

SR 104 was again read.

The resolution was previously adopted on Wednesday, January 26, 2011.

Senator Birdwell was recognized and introduced to the Senate Baylor University President Kenneth Starr, Harold Riley, Rick Riley, Gale Galloway, and Tommye Lou Davis.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator Nelson offered the following resolution:

SR 142, Welcoming the participants in the First Tuesdays at the Capitol program and commending the Texas Medical Association for its work in behalf of the citizens of this state.

The resolution was again read.

The resolution was previously adopted on Monday, January 31, 2011.

Senator Nelson was recognized and introduced to the Senate members of the Texas Medical Association and the Texas Medical Association Alliance.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator Ogden was recognized and introduced to the Senate members of the Texas A&M Chancellor's Student Advisory Board.

The Senate welcomed its guests.

Senator Eltife offered the following resolution:

SR 161, In memory of Foy Wallace Watson, Jr., of Austin.

The resolution was read.

On motion of Senator Shapiro and by unanimous consent, the names of the Lieutenant Governor and Senators were added to the resolution as signers thereof.

On motion of Senator Eltife, SR 161 was adopted by a rising vote of the Senate.

In honor of the memory of Foy Wallace Watson, Jr., the text of the resolution is printed at the end of today's Senate Journal.

Senator Eltife was recognized and introduced to the Senate family members of Foy Wallace Watson, Jr.: Bernadine Watson, wife; Cynthia Constantine, daughter; Foy Watson III, son; Richard Watson, son; Tom Watson, brother; and a host of relatives and friends.

The Senate welcomed its guests and extended its sympathy.

On motion of Senator Estes and by unanimous consent, the remarks regarding SR 161 were ordered reduced to writing and printed in the Senate Journal as follows:

Senator Eltife:  Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President and Members, Senate Resolution 161 commemorates the life and passing of Foy Watson, Jr., our long-time assistant doorkeeper who passed away on October 30th of last year. I know all of us, Governor Dewhurst, Senators, and staff, appreciated Foy for his kindness, good nature, and positive outlook. When Foy operated the Senate elevator, he often made exceptions for staff who were needed by their Senators on the elevator. Every time I hitched a ride with Foy on his elevator, I always got off the elevator in a better mood and uplifted. In his own way, Foy reminded me of the many blessings the good Lord has bestowed upon me. We talked about church, Foy being a devout Baptist, me a proud Catholic. We talked about the rose bushes in Tyler. How he knew about the rose bushes in Tyler or that I was from Tyler, the first day I got in the elevator, I'll never know. We even talked politics. Foy was a shining example of the dedicated staff we have that run the Texas Senate. We are grateful for his service, not only to the Texas Senate but to our country. Members, in addition to the resolution, there will be a plaque placed in the elevator bearing Foy's name. On the floor with us today are Foy's wife, Bernadine Watson; Cynthia Constantine, his daughter; two sons, Foy Watson III and Richard Watson; and Tom Watson, Foy's brother. I also understand there are many more friends and family in the gallery, including two daughters-in-law, one sister-in-law, three grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. And I would ask them to stand at this time and be recognized. Thank all of you for sharing Foy with us. May God bless you.

Senator Duncan:  Thank you, Mr. President. I get on the, every time I get on that elevator I think of Foy Watson. He was a, Senator Eltife, just as you said, you didn't leave the elevator without feeling better about the day. We, it's very fitting that we have a plaque there. But, again, I, even without the plaque, I get on that elevator and I think of Foy. He had a unique knowledge of things of the world and of the things that we did, and I think he understood the stresses and the tensions. He even had a code with Senator Harris, I think. Senator Harris had a knock on the basement floor or a kick of three times, and I think he knew to go get Senator Harris whenever that would occur. But, I miss Foy. And I think, I, see, we see this resolution speaks for all of us here about how we cherished and appreciated his friendship. And you should be very proud of your husband and your father and your brother. And thank you, Senator Eltife, for bringing this resolution.

Senator Lucio:  Thank you, Mr. President. Members, I too rise. I used to describe Foy every day when I would run into him, as all-American. He certainly defined those two words, all-American. He was a member of the greatest generation, and I could relate to that with, you know, with my father who is part of that greatest generation that we're a product of. Foy knew the issues, you're right. And we discussed those issues many times. Man of great compassion, he just didn't forget anyone going into that elevator. As a matter of fact, he knew our staffs pretty darn good over the years. And he made a difference, he was always courteous, very polite, and I would describe him as a public servant. He served the public that came through that elevator. And I'm so happy that you're putting that plaque in that elevator. It will remind us all of a great man that all of us came in contact with, that made a difference in our lives. He brought us to work, and he took us back down as we left the Capitol, for many years. And I'm pleased to join with you, Senator Eltife, and the Members of this body, in acknowledging a great American, a man that made a difference in our lives. Thank you very much.

Senator Whitmire:  Thank you, Mr. President, Members. Senator Eltife, I want to thank you for honoring our friend; he literally watched me grow up down here. But I've got a public confession, Mrs. Watson. I just found out why it took him so long some days. I used to fuss at him. In fact, now I find out it was Senator Eltife having him deliver his employees and dealing with the staff for an elevator that was reserved for Senators. I used to fuss at him and say, I can actually walk these stairs faster than you can run this thing. So, we had an ongoing good time talking because, as you know, I'd be wanting to go down to one, and he'd be going to three, and I'd try to get him to reverse. And I just, no, that's okay, I'll just walk. So, if anyone sees him before I do, I want you to tell him I really apologize, it wasn't that he wasn't running the elevator properly. He was doing a great job, but he was taking care of our staff instead of Senators, because he wouldn't say no to the people that needed to get up to the top floor, so, it's great that you would recognize him today. And let me just tell you, I've been here a hundred years, I've never seen them put a plaque in this building or on an elevator or in one of our meeting rooms, and that shows the love and respect we had for him. He's having an honor that I can't recognize for anyone else. He's getting a plaque in this historical building that will be here for the rest of time. So, it's really special, Mrs. Watson and family.

President:  Thank you, Dean. Mrs. Watson, I never talk from the podium, but I've got to say, you know every one of the 32 of us loved your husband, absolutely a sweetheart of a man. We all had different subjects that we talked to him about. I used to talk to him about World War II, and my dad was in World War II. And Foy was just a very special person. There were days, you know, he'd say, Governor, you look a little stressed, and I said, well, it's a little stressful out there today, and he said, well, just take, you know, take a day at a time, the Lord will take care of you. So, thank you for sharing him with us.

The President laid before the Senate the following resolution:

WHEREAS, Section 21.004(a), Government Code, provides: "At a convenient time at the commencement of each regular session of the legislature, the chief justice of the supreme court shall deliver a written or oral state of the judiciary message evaluating the accessibility of the courts to the citizens of the state and the future directions and needs of the courts of the state."; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the 82nd Texas Legislature, Regular Session, That the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Texas meet in Joint Session in the Hall of the House of Representatives for that purpose on Wednesday, February 23, 2011, at 11:30 a.m.; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the Honorable Wallace B. Jefferson, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas, be, and is hereby, invited to address the Regular Session of the 82nd Legislature in Joint Session at that time.

HARRIS

HCR 43 was read.

On motion of Senator Harris, the resolution was considered immediately and was adopted by a viva voce vote.

All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of the resolution except as follows:

Absent-excused:  Carona, Van de Putte.

The President laid before the Senate the following resolution:

BE IT RESOLVED by the 82nd Legislature, Regular Session, That the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Texas meet in Joint Session in the Hall of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, February 8, 2011, at 11:00 a.m.; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the Honorable Rick Perry, Governor of the State of Texas, be, and is hereby, invited to address the Regular Session of the 82nd Legislature in Joint Session at that time.

ELTIFE

HCR 44 was read.

On motion of Senator Eltife, the resolution was considered immediately and was adopted by a viva voce vote.

All Members are deemed to have voted "Yea" on the adoption of the resolution except as follows:

Absent-excused:  Carona, Van de Putte.

The President announced the signing of the following enrolled resolutions in the presence of the Senate:  SCR 7, SCR 8.

On motion of Senator Eltife and by unanimous consent, Senate Rule 11.10(a) and Senate Rule 11.18(a) were suspended in order that the Committee on Administration might meet and consider the following bill and resolution today:  SB 445, SJR 18.

On motion of Senator Patrick, Senators Estes and Nelson will be shown as Co-authors of SB 16.

On motion of Senator Estes, Senator Nichols will be shown as Co-author of SB 18.

On motion of Senator Davis, Senator West will be shown as Co-author of SB 253.

The following resolutions were adopted by the Senate:

SR 106 by Shapiro and Nelson, Recognizing the Texas Parent Teacher Association for its contributions to the children of Texas.

SR 153 by Duncan, Celebrating February 1, 2011, as Texas Tech University System Day at the Texas Capitol.

SR 160 by Deuell, Recognizing February 1, 2011, as Texas Organization of Residential Care Homes Day in Texas.

On motion of Senator Whitmire, the Senate at 12:25 p.m. adjourned, in memory of Foy Wallace Watson, Jr., until 11:00 a.m. tomorrow.

SCR 7, SCR 8, SR 105, SR 125, SR 126, SR 127, SR 128, SR 129, SR 130, SR 131, SR 134, SR 135, SR 136, SR 137, SR 138, SR 139, SR 140, SR 141, SR 142, SR 143, SR 147, SR 148, SR 149, SR 150, SR 152, SR 154, SR 156, SR 158, SR 159, SR 163

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens of Austin in mourning the loss of one of our most beloved legislative employees, Foy Wallace Watson, Jr., who died October 30, 2010, at the age of 84; and

WHEREAS, Born October 7, 1926, in Waco, Foy Watson was a member of "The Greatest Generation" and was a true military hero who served during World War II and received a Purple Heart and two battle stars; and

WHEREAS, After the war, he married his longtime sweetheart, Bernadine, and embarked on a successful career as a revenue officer with the Internal Revenue Service; following his retirement, he went on to earn the designation of Texas Master Florist; and

WHEREAS, Foy Watson joined the Texas Senate in 1997 and served with distinction as an Assistant Senate Doorkeeper over the course of seven regular legislative sessions and numerous special sessions; as the operator of the elevator behind the Senate Chamber, he was treasured by senators and their staff for the individual attention he gave to all who passed his way, as well as for his obvious good nature and his positive outlook on life; and

WHEREAS, During Mr. Watson's longtime Senate service, his affable personality endeared him to all who walked the Capitol halls, and his dedication, generosity, and exemplary work ethic will long be remembered; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Watson was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion; he was a 32nd-degree Scottish Rite Mason, an active member of Hill City Lodge 456, and a noble of the Ben Hur Shrine Temple; he was a devout Christian and a member of Crestview Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and was treasurer for more than 35 years; and

WHEREAS, An exemplary gentleman in every way, Foy Watson loved his work, his state, and his country; he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and he leaves behind memories that will be treasured forever by all who worked with him and by his family and many friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Foy Wallace Watson, Jr.: his loving and devoted wife of 63 years, Bernadine Gummelt Watson; his children and their spouses, Foy Watson III and his wife, Gloria, Richard Watson and his wife, Debbie, and Cindy Constantine and her husband, Kim; his brother, Tom Watson; his sister, Rose Summers; and his nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a plaque bearing the name of Foy Wallace Watson, Jr., be placed in the Senate elevator in honor and in memory of this exceptional legislative employee and patriotic citizen; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the members of his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Foy Wallace Watson, Jr.

ELTIFE