LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION expressing positive thoughts with the heartfelt
hope for a speedy recovery for U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body, representing the people of the State of
New York, expresses positive thoughts with the heartfelt hope for a
speedy recovery for U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords; and
WHEREAS, On Saturday, January 8, 2011, Gabrielle Giffords was serious-
ly injured in Tucson, Arizona, where the Congresswoman was meeting with
her constituents at a "Congress on Your Corner" event held in order for
her to meet her constituents and for them to meet her; and
WHEREAS, Born on June 8, 1970, in Tucson, Arizona, Gabrielle "Gabby"
Giffords attended Scripps College and earned a bachelor's degree in
Latin American History and Sociology in 1993; her dedication and enthu-
siasm in her studies earned her a William Fulbright Scholarship, which
she used to study in Chihuahua, Mexico; and
WHEREAS, She went on to obtain her master's degree in Urban Planning
from Cornell University; and
WHEREAS, United States Representative Gabrielle Giffords was first
elected to her Arizona 8th Congressional District seat in 2006, taking
office in January of 2007, and was reelected in 2008 and 2010; and
WHEREAS, Congresswoman Gifford's district covers 9,000 square miles,
including a 114 mile border with Mexico; and
WHEREAS, Prior to entering Congress, Gabrielle Giffords represented
her hometown in the Arizona Legislature, the youngest woman ever elected
to serve in the Arizona State Senate; and
WHEREAS, As a member of the United States Congress, Gabrielle Giffords
quickly became a leading champion of solar energy, immigration reform,
and the needs of military families and veterans; in addition, she is a
strong supporter of fiscal responsibility, bipartisanship and government
accountability; and WHEREAS, Since that dreadful January day, the hearts
and prayers of New Yorkers along with Americans across the Nation, have
been with Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, supporting her in her recu-
peration and cheering her every step forward to a full recovery and her
return to Congress; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
express positive thoughts with the heartfelt hope for a speedy recovery
for U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Gabrielle Giffords, U.S. Representative,
Tucson, Arizona; to each member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from the State of New York; and to New York State's two distinguished
Senators, The Honorable Charles E. Schumer and The Honorable Kirsten
Gillibrand.