TITLE: Commending Texas grandparents who are raising their grandchildren.

SUMMARY: Commending Texas grandparents who are raising their grandchildren.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, In every region of the State of Texas, grandparents can be found who are raising their grandchildren, striving to ensure that these young people are safe, loved, and well cared for and able to become happy and productive adults; and WHEREAS, According to data compiled by a consortium that includes the AARP Foundation, Casey Family Programs, the Children's Defense Fund, and others, more than seven percent of all children in Texas live in households headed by grandparents, and more than a quarter of a million Texans report that they are responsible for grandchildren who are residing with them; and WHEREAS, Nearly a third of these grandparents live in a household that does not include the children's parents; moreover, about three-quarters of these caregivers are under the age of 60, and, sadly, more than one in five live in poverty; and WHEREAS, Increasingly, grandparents are asked to take parental responsibility for their grandchildren, creating unique family structures with a range of special needs; despite the sometimes challenging circumstances they face, these individuals selflessly provide vital care to their loved ones that is truly deserving of special recognition; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby commend Texas grandparents who are raising their grandchildren and honor them for the valuable role they play in preparing our state's young people for the future. Veasey Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 665 was adopted by the House on March 17, 2011, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House