TITLE: Recognizing February 22, 2023, as Texas Hispanic Judges' Day.

SUMMARY: Recognizing February 22, 2023, as Texas Hispanic Judges' Day.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Hispanic judges from across the state are gathering in Austin on February 22, 2023, in celebration of Texas Hispanic Judges' Day at the State Capitol; and WHEREAS, The Hispanic population of Texas is at least 40 percent, yet Hispanic judges account for only 16 percent of the state's judiciary; and WHEREAS, Hispanic judges have contributed significantly to justice across the State of Texas, as exemplified by trailblazers Reynaldo Garza, U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit; Pete Benavides, U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit; Raul Gonzalez, Texas Supreme Court; Eva Guzman, Texas Supreme Court; Elsa Alcala, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals; Linda Yanez, Thirteenth Court of Appeals; Carlos Cadena, Fourth Court of Appeals; Alma Lopez, Fourth Court of Appeals; and Elma Salinas Ender, 341st Judicial District Court, to name a few; and WHEREAS, In collaboration with the Hispanic Issues Section of the State Bar of Texas, Hispanic judges formed the first statewide Hispanic judges' organization with the mission of advancing current and future Hispanic judges, promoting diversity, inclusion, integrity, and excellence in the judiciary, and recognizing their contributions to the Texas judicial system; and WHEREAS, Advancing equal justice is the mission of all judges, and today the more than 500 Hispanic individuals who serve on courts throughout the state exemplify the highest standards of judicial conduct and demonstrate their dedication to the people of Texas through their public service on and off the bench, which is truly an inspiration to us all; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th Legislature, hereby recognize February 22, 2023, as Texas Hispanic Judges' Day at the State Capitol, commend Hispanic judges of Texas for their commitment to equal justice under the law, and extend to all those participating in this event sincere best wishes for a memorable and enjoyable visit to Austin. Zaffirini Alvarado Hinojosa Men ndez Blanco Hughes West Flores Johnson Whitmire LaMantia President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 22, 2023.