[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 57 (Tuesday, April 10, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E426]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF COMMISSIONER RODNEY ELLIS

                                  _____
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 10, 2018

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
congratulate Former State Senator, current Harris County Commissioner, 
and my dear friend, Rodney Ellis for receiving an Alumni Award from 
Texas Southern University. The award is given to outstanding alumni who 
typify the TSU tradition of excellence through personal and 
professional accomplishment and/or community service. This is the 
second year the award is given.
  Rodney holds a Bachelor's of Science Degree from Texas Southern 
University, a Master's Degree in Public Affairs from the Lyndon B. 
Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas, and a Law 
Degree from the University of Texas School of Law. Commissioner Ellis 
also studied at Xavier University in New Orleans and the London School 
of Economics. Before his election to the Texas Senate in 1990, Rodney 
Ellis served three terms on the Houston City Council as well as Chief 
of Staff to the late United States Congressman Mickey Leland.
  He, then, went on to serve in the Texas State Senate for more than 25 
consecutive years and earned the respect of his colleagues and 
constituents for his dedicated leadership on civil rights, criminal 
justice, economic development, education, environmental policy, and 
workforce development. On November 8, 2016, Rodney Ellis was elected 
Harris County Commissioner for Precinct One, where he serves 
approximately 1.1 million people on a daily basis.
  Commissioner Ellis is a strong supporter and graduate of Texas 
Southern University. For 25 years, Commissioner Ellis represented Texas 
Senate District 13, which TSU resides in. Recently, Commissioner Ellis 
has contributed over $15 million in a partnership with the City of 
Houston to improve the roads around the University.
  At his core, Commissioner Ellis believes that our government should 
ensure that all people, regardless of who they are, have equitable 
opportunity and ability to build a better future for themselves and for 
their family. As Harris County Commissioner, he is committed to this 
ideal by providing quality and accessible services and programs that 
enrich the lives of people in Precinct One and fighting for reforms 
that will benefit all Harris County residents.
  Amidst all of his many accolades and achievements, he attributes 
being a husband to Mrs. Licia Green-Ellis and father to his four 
children as his greatest honor.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Commissioner 
Ellis for receiving the Alumni Award and recognize all who organize and 
contribute to Texas Southern University's commitment to excellent 
education. I ask all my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
Commissioner Ellis on his many years of service and honor his legacy 
and inspiration he has given to the people he has had the privilege of 
serving.

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