TITLE: Expressing support for the placement of a monument to Lorenzo de Zavala on the grounds of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission building.

SUMMARY: Expressing support for the placement of a monument to Lorenzo de Zavala on the grounds of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission building.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Lorenzo de Zavala played an integral role in the history of the Lone Star State, and the placement of a statue of him on the grounds of the state building that bears his name would be a fitting commemoration of his outstanding legacy; and WHEREAS, Born in Tecoh, near M rida, Yucat n, on October 3, 1788, Lorenzo de Zavala was a lifelong advocate of democratic ideals; he founded several newspapers and went on to serve as an official in the Mexican government before becoming a supporter of Texas independence and the first vice president of the Republic of Texas; and WHEREAS, He entered Mexican politics in 1812, and in 1821 he became a deputy to the Spanish Cortes in Madrid; a leader of the Federalist Party, Zavala served in the First and Second Mexican Constituent Congresses and in the Mexican Senate, and he aided in drafting Mexico's Constitution, but his political views led to his exile in 1830; he returned to Mexico in 1832, became governor of the state of Mexico, and then was appointed head of the Mexican legation in Paris; on learning a short time later that Santa Anna had assumed dictatorial powers in Mexico, he resigned his position and left Europe; and WHEREAS, Zavala moved to Texas in July 1835 and soon emerged as a leader in the Texas fight for independence from Mexico; he served as a delegate from Harrisburg at the Consultation at San Felipe in November 1835 and at the Convention at Washington-on-the-Brazos in March 1836, when he signed the Texas Declaration of Independence, helped to draft the new Texas Constitution, and was unanimously elected as vice president of the Republic of Texas; and WHEREAS, Lorenzo de Zavala was a crucial figure in guiding the fortunes of Texas at a critical juncture in its history, and in recognition of his lasting contributions, Zavala County and the Texas State Library and Archives Commission building were named in his honor; because his life carries a particular resonance for all who care about the heritage of the Lone Star State, however, placing his statue on the grounds of the state library would allow current and future generations to more fully appreciate his achievements; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 84th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby express support for the placement of a monument to Lorenzo de Zavala on the grounds of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission building; and, be it further RESOLVED, That the 84th Texas Legislature direct the Texas Facilities Commission to seek approval from the Texas Historical Commission regarding the form, dimensions, and substance of, and inscriptions or illustrations on, a monument to Lorenzo de Zavala and to permit the placement of the monument on the grounds of the Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building; and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Texas secretary of state forward an official copy of this resolution to the executive directors of the Texas Facilities Commission and the Texas Historical Commission and to the director and librarian of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Pe a Simpson Frullo Guillen Sheffield Thompson of Brazoria VanDeaver President of the Senate Speaker of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 81 was adopted by the House on April 30, 2015, by the following vote: Yeas 139, Nays 0, 1 present, not voting. Chief Clerk of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 81 was adopted by the Senate on May 26, 2015, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0. Secretary of the Senate APPROVED: Date Governor