Recognizing the Honorable Representative Geanie Morrison for 26 Years of Public Service

Floor Speech

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Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the Honorable Geanie W. Morrison, whose extraordinary 26-year career of public service to the Crossroads region and the state of Texas is coming to a close. Throughout her 13-term career in the Texas Legislature, Representative Morrison has exemplified dedication, leadership, and a tireless commitment to improving the lives of all Texans.

Since her election in 1999, Representative Morrison has represented Texas' 30th District in the Texas House of Representatives which today includes DeWitt, Goliad, Jackson, Lavaca, Matagorda, Victoria counties. Over the course of her tenure, she has become a trusted leader in the Capitol and a steadfast advocate for her constituents.

Representative Morrison's legislative record is filled with notable achievements, but one of her most profound and life-saving contributions is her authorship of the country's first Safe Haven ``Baby Moses'' law, passed in 1999. This legislation provides a compassionate and responsible alternative for desperate mothers who may otherwise feel they have no choice but to abandon their newborns. Through the Safe Haven law, mothers are given the option to safely and legally surrender their babies at designated locations, such as hospitals or fire stations, without fear of prosecution.

This law has had an immeasurable impact on saving lives. Since its passage, hundreds of newborns across Texas have been safely surrendered, and all 50 states have since implemented similar measures. Thanks to Representative Morrison's initiative, countless lives have been saved and will continue to be.

Her work in higher education has been impactful to Texas as well. As Chair of the House Committee on Higher Education, she played a pivotal role in the expansion of the University of Houston-Victoria into a four-year institution, significantly increasing access to higher education for students in the region. Her efforts have been recognized by many, including the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, which awarded her the Leadership Star Award. She has also been named Legislator of the Year by the Texas Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators and honored with the Texas Community College Teachers Association Legislator of the Year Award.

Beyond her legislative work, Representative Morrison has always been deeply committed to community service. Her 17-year involvement with the Junior League of Victoria allowed her to lead programs like ``Making the Grade'' and ``Great Expectations,'' where she worked with young people to inspire academic success and provide support for pregnant teens in completing their education. Her leadership in these initiatives has touched countless lives and opened doors of opportunity for those who need it most.

Representative Morrison's service extended beyond her district and into key leadership positions at the state level. Prior to running for office, she served as Executive Director of the Governor's Commission for Women under Governor George W. Bush, and she was appointed to the Texas Commission for Volunteerism and Community Service and the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission.

Her long-standing dedication to public service has earned her numerous awards, including the Boy Scouts of America South Texas Council's Distinguished Citizen Award, the Victoria Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award, and recognition as one of South Texas' Women of the Year. These accolades are a testament to her unwavering commitment to her constituents and her deep-rooted belief in the importance of community involvement.

As Representative Morrison embarks on this new chapter of her life, it is my honor to recognize her remarkable career and thank her for her faithful service to Texas. We are better off having had someone of Geanie's caliber involved in public service. May God bless her and her family in the days and years ahead.

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