[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 68 (Thursday, April 26, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E877]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING MARIO GALLEGOS, JR., FOR BEING NAMED ``GOVERNOR FOR A DAY''

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GENE GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 26, 2007

  Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend Mr. 
Mario V. Gallegos, Jr., on being named ``Governor for a Day'' in the 
State of Texas. Senator Gallegos, a long time Houstonian, has served 
his community first as a Houston firefighter, then as a Texas State 
Representative, and now as a Texas State Senator. He was the first 
Hispanic Senator elected to represent Harris County.
  Senator Gallegos, like myself, is a graduate of the University of 
Houston. In Austin, he continually serves as a strong voice for the 
university, to ensure levels of funding increase with the growing 
population of his district.
  Having served 22 years as a firefighter, where he retired as Senior 
Captain, Senator Gallegos has fought for growth and increased funding 
for firefighters and law enforcement, alike. He was recently recognized 
for his work in the 77th Legislative Session by the Texas State 
Association of Fire Fighters and the Combined Law Enforcement 
Association of Texas. Senator Gallegos has also received such accolades 
as the Texas Municipal League's ``Distinguished Legislative Service 
Award,'' Legislator of the Year by the Mexican American Bar Association 
of Texas, and the Fiestas Patrias Distinguished Hispanic of the Year 
Award.
  And so it is with great pleasure that I recognize my good friend in 
his continued work to serve Texas, Mario Gallegos. His distinguished 
legacy of service speaks volumes and I congratulate him on being named 
``Governor for a Day.''

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