SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 31

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2009

INTRODUCED BY

George K. Munoz

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR TO NAME THE PLANNED CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES DEPARTMENT BUILDING AFTER ALICE KING.

     WHEREAS, Alice King, one of the most loved and respected first ladies in New Mexico history, died on December 8, 2008 at the age of seventy-eight; and

     WHEREAS, Mrs. King served as first lady in 1971-1974, 1979-1982 and 1991-1995; and

     WHEREAS, she worked tirelessly as an advocate for New Mexico children and families, not just during her husband, Bruce King's, terms as governor but throughout her life, serving on the boards of numerous charitable organizations, such as all faiths receiving home, San Felipe Del Rio children's home, New Mexico conference of families, Carrie Tingley hospital foundation, special olympics, march of dimes and the New Mexico boys' ranch; and

     WHEREAS, Mrs. King spearheaded the effort to establish the New Mexico girls' ranch and the New Mexico children's foundation; and

     WHEREAS, one of her proudest accomplishments as an advocate for children was the legislature's passage and her husband's signing of a bill to create the children, youth and families department, which she had worked tirelessly to bring to fruition; and

     WHEREAS, as the first inductee into the New Mexico women's hall of fame, Mrs. King was cited for being "well-known for her humanitarian efforts and as a symbol of New Mexico"; and

     WHEREAS, there is no name more fitting than that of Alice King to be placed on the planned children, youth and families department building;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the governor be requested to honor the memory of this extraordinary New Mexican who had dedicated her life to improving the lives of children and families by naming the planned children, youth and families department building after Alice King; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the governor, the secretary of children, youth and families and her loving husband, former Governor Bruce King.