[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 28 (Tuesday, February 23, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E264]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     THE TEXAS LEGISLATIVE BLACK CAUCUS AND ITS UPCOMING CONFERENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 23, 1999

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay 
tribute to the Texas Legislative Black Caucus and its groundbreaking 
efforts to advance public policy objectives in my home State of Texas.
  As a former Member of the Texas House of Representatives and Texas 
Senate, I know first-hand of the Caucus's strong commitment in 
promoting education, economic development and public safety to ensure 
positive change. The Caucus's accomplishments include the passage of 
legislation to provide scholarships for low-income students, securing 
funding for the Lone Star State's black colleges and universities as 
well as provisions to ensure minority participation in the state's 
procurement program.
  To kick off its legislative agenda for 1999, the Caucus will be 
hosting a statewide conference in Austin on March 10th-12th. Thousands 
of Texans from across the state are expected to attend the conference 
aptly entitled, Preparing for the Millennium. The State's 14 African-
American House Members and its two Senators will be hosting the 
conference. They will be honoring the achievements of outstanding 
Texans in the fields of education, business, public services, 
entertainment, professions, and public safety. Governor George Bush is 
expected to attend the conference as well.
  Delegates to the conference will be holding an ``Education Summit'' 
whose purpose is to identify problems and propose solutions to enhance 
the state's black colleges and universities. ``Break-out'' sessions 
will be held to discuss elementary, secondary and higher education 
issues. Other workshops will be conducted on health care, child care, 
economic development, electricity restructuring and environmental 
racism.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Caucus on its past 
accomplishments and in sending best wishes for a successful conference 
this year in Austin.

                          ____________________