UNOFFICIAL COPY AS OF 11/26/17 12 REG. SESS. 12 RS BR 2200
A RESOLUTION expressing gratitude to the nation of Taiwan for its generous contribution towards tornado relief efforts.
WHEREAS, severe weather began on the afternoon of March 2, 2012, and continued to gather strength as severe storms and tornadoes drove across Kentucky, beginning in the west and crossing through the central and eastern portions of the Commonwealth, leaving in their wake loss of life, enormous destruction of property, hundreds of injuries, and breaks in basic utilities. These tornadoes were in addition to those that hit LaRue and Hardin counties on February 29; and
WHEREAS, 48 Kentucky counties suffered damages from the storms and tornadoes, at least 24 individuals perished, more than 300 injuries have been reported, and hundreds have had their homes destroyed or severely damaged; and
WHEREAS, this week, the Commonwealth of Kentucky received a touching reminder that we are not alone in recovering from this devastation when the government of Taiwan presented Governor Steve Beshear with a check for $30,000 to aid victims of the storms; and
WHEREAS, the gift is fitting in that 2012 marks the 30th anniversary of the sister state relationship between Taiwan and the Commonwealth of Kentucky, a bond that has been mutually beneficial for citizens of both; and
WHEREAS, in explaining the gift, the Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office eloquently stated, "We are here to bring the love and care from Taiwan to the people of Kentucky. We feel privileged and would like to be able to extend a helping hand to our best friend. We are here beside you … Taiwan is closer than you think"; and
WHEREAS, this is not the first time that the people of Taiwan have opened their hearts to the Commonwealth, having donated $20,000 to the Louisville Chapter of the American Red Cross to assist with relief efforts in the wake of strong storms and severe flooding in the Louisville area in the Spring of 2011; and
WHEREAS, in accepting the donation on behalf of the Commonwealth, Governor Beshear expressed the feelings of all Kentuckians when he said, "We appreciate the hand of friendship extended by the officials from Taiwan...Their heartfelt concern and generosity unite us across an ocean, and in our Kentucky people’s time of need, the people of Taiwan have reached out"; and
WHEREAS, the generous donation will be used by Kentucky Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, a group of non-profit and faith-based organizations dedicated to disaster relief in Kentucky for rebuilding homes and other relief efforts in the numerous counties affected by tornadoes; and
WHEREAS, this gift further strengthens the 30 year long bond between Taiwan and the Commonwealth, and it is fitting that gratitude be expressed to the nation of Taiwan and its people for their thoughtful gift in the Commonwealth's time of need;
NOW, THEREFORE,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky:
Section 1. The members of this Honorable Body, both individually and collectively, do hereby express our profound sense of gratitude to the nation of Taiwan and its people upon the occasion of their generous gift to the victims of the recent storms in the Commonwealth, and our hope that the 30 year long relationship between Taiwan and the Commonwealth will continue to be mutually beneficial and rewarding.
Section 2. The Clerk of the House of Representatives shall transmit a copy of this Resolution to Director General Anna Kao, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, 1180 West Peachtree Street, Suite 800 Atlantic Center Plaza, Atlanta, Georgia 30309.
