[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 149 (Tuesday, September 24, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E959-E960]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE HONORABLE REPRESENTATIVE GEANIE MORRISON FOR 26 YEARS 
                           OF PUBLIC SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MICHAEL CLOUD

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 24, 2024

  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.

[[Page E960]]

  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.

                          ____________________