2014 -- H 8378

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LC005993

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2014

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

RECOGNIZING THE HONORABLE GORDON D. FOX FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE

PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Representatives Mattiello, DeSimone, Lima, Lally, and Edwards

     Date Introduced: June 20, 2014

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, The Honorable Gordon D. Fox has served in the Rhode Island House of

Representatives, District 4, for the past twenty-two years, representing the citizens in the Mount

Hope, Summit, and Blackstone neighborhoods in the City of Providence; and

     WHEREAS, A life-long resident of the City of Providence, Representative Fox built the

perfect foundation to take on future challenges in the legal profession and the legislature,

graduating from Classical High School and Rhode Island College, and earning his Juris Doctorate

at Northeastern University School of Law. In 2010, he was also awarded an honorary Doctor of

Laws from Rhode Island College; and

     WHEREAS, Winning his first foray into politics, Representative Fox was elected to the

Rhode Island General Assembly, in November of 1992. Earning the respect of his colleagues, he

was named Chair of the House Finance Committee in 2001, voted House Majority Leader by

fellow Democratic Representatives in 2002, and in February of 2010, was elected to the position

of Speaker by the House membership; and

     WHEREAS, As Speaker of the House, Representative Fox brought wisdom, legal

erudition, and a tremendous work ethic to the General Assembly. He was instrumental in

enacting numerous pieces of landmark legislation including passage of marriage equality

legislation and the fair funding formula for Rhode Island's public schools. In addition, he

oversaw the enactment of legislation that lowered the state's income tax and authored the very

successful Historic Tax Credit Program; and

     WHEREAS, During his lifetime and years at the State House, Representative Fox

maintained involvement with both statewide and community groups and organizations as well as

membership in numerous professional groups; and

     WHEREAS, The Honorable Gordon Fox has served the people of the State of Rhode

Island with distinction and diligence and his service to the people of this state has ultimately

made Rhode Island a far better place to live and flourish; now, therefore be it

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

     Providence Plantations hereby honors and thanks Representative Gordon Fox for more

than two decades of dedicated service enriching the quality of life for all the citizens of Rhode

Island. We wish him and his spouse Marcus LaFond the very best health and happiness; and be it

further

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

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Honorable Gordon D. Fox.

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LC005993

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