TITLE: Honoring Blake Rocap for his service as legislative counsel for NARAL Pro-Choice Texas.

SUMMARY: Honoring Blake Rocap for his service as legislative counsel for NARAL Pro-Choice Texas.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Blake Rocap is stepping down as legislative counsel for NARAL Pro-Choice Texas, drawing to a close five years of steadfast service in defense of the reproductive rights of Texas women; and WHEREAS, A statewide nonprofit and nonpartisan organization, NARAL Pro-Choice Texas (NPCT) works to support and protect the right of each woman to make personal and private decisions regarding her reproductive choices and health; the group advocates in behalf of pro-choice legislation and promotes access to a full range of women's health care services; and WHEREAS, Since assuming the role of legislative counsel in 2008, Mr. Rocap has coordinated NPCT's political outreach efforts, in addition to serving as a de facto spokesperson to the media on the group's stances and recommendations; a tireless champion of the organization and its goals, he has attended and testified at a multitude of committee hearings and met often with lawmakers to discuss proposed legislation affecting women's health; and WHEREAS, This lifelong Texan draws on a wealth of experience in public interest law; he is a graduate of The University of Texas, where he earned a bachelor's degree in American studies, and of Texas Tech University, where he completed his doctor of jurisprudence degree; while in law school, he was a founding board member of the Student Public Interest Initiative, the social director of the Board of Barristers, and a member of the curriculum committee; and WHEREAS, His early career included summer clerkships with the Texas Civil Rights Project, Jane's Due Process, and the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; after practicing as a plaintiff's attorney in the areas of employment discrimination and workplace safety, he accepted a position as general counsel to a statewide political campaign, an experience that deepened his understanding of Texas campaign finance and election law and that cemented his interest in public policy; he additionally gained a familiarity with the legislative process and parliamentary procedure while serving as a committee clerk in the Texas House of Representatives; and WHEREAS, Blake Rocap has worked tirelessly to defend the cause of reproductive freedom in the Lone Star State, and in so doing, he has earned the admiration and appreciation of countless Texas women; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby recognize Blake Rocap for his service to NARAL Pro-Choice Texas and extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Rocap as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Farrar Naishtat Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 2794 was adopted by the House on May 24, 2013, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House