10-R325

2010 -- H 8261

Enacted 06/09/10

 

H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N

HONORING AND THANKING CONGRESSMAN PATRICK KENNEDY FOR HIS DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Fox, Mattiello, E Coderre, Pacheco, and Giannini

     Date Introduced: June 09, 2010

     

 

     WHEREAS, Patrick Joseph Kennedy, II, was born on July 14th of 1967 into a family

whose name is synonymous with public service and whose roots in Rhode Island are deeply

established and revered; and

      WHEREAS, In 1988, at the age of twenty-one, Patrick became the youngest member of

the Kennedy family to hold elected office when he won election to the Rhode Island House of

Representatives District 9, serving the people of the City of Providence in the Mount Pleasant and

Elmhurst neighborhoods; and

      WHEREAS, After earning recognition for his leadership and commitment during his

three terms in the Rhode Island House, then-Representative Kennedy threw his hat into the 1994

race for the Rhode Island 1st Congressional district election. With his renowned tenacity and

dedication to the needs of his constituency, he was successful, and he has been re-elected in each

subsequent election; and

      WHEREAS, In 2000, Congressman Kennedy was appointed to the U.S. House

Committee on Appropriations, a high-profile assignment which has immensely benefitted all

Rhode Islanders and is a richly deserved personal achievement. He has also been a vocal

advocate for various health care reform issues, including the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and

Addictions Equity Act. This landmark piece of legislation ensures that mental health benefits are

offered at parity with medical benefits, thereby providing access to mental health services for

approximately 113 million Americans; and

      WHEREAS, Sadly, in February of 2010, Congressman Kennedy announced his decision

not to seek another term in Congress. And although this state has lost an amazing and vital

advocate in Washington, D.C., we accept the fact that he has earned some richly deserved time

for family and friends. We are certain that even in retirement, he will never be more than a “call

for a cause” away; and

      WHEREAS, For his munificent accomplishments, The Honorable Patrick Kennedy is

truly an inspiration to all who seek to serve the public, and he is eminently worthy of our praise,

our gratitude, and our acknowledgement for a job well done; now, therefore be it

      RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby thanks the Honorable Patrick J. Kennedy for twenty-two admirable

years of service to the citizens of Rhode Island and the United States. We furthermore wish him

a productive and successful retirement, and the very best health and happiness in all his future

endeavors; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Honorable Patrick Kennedy.

     

=======

LC02933

=======