WHEREAS, Senator Alex Deccio served with distinction in public service for 30 years, 4 years as a Yakima county commissioner and 26 years in the Washington State Legislature representing the 14th legislative district; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Deccio dedicated his service in the Senate to health care legislation as chair of the Health and Long-Term Care Committee; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Deccio sponsored or cosponsored nursing home reform legislation that resulted in Washington state's nursing homes being ranked highest for safety and care in the United States; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Deccio's legislation created adult family homes, and set safety and quality standards for assisted living facilities and retirement homes that have benefited countless people over the years; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Deccio sponsored the landmark 1988 AIDS Omnibus Act, the first legislation in the nation to present a comprehensive approach to the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Deccio established the division of alcohol and drug abuse in the Department of Social and Health Services, which set up treatment programs around the state, removing people addicted to alcohol and drugs from our jails and getting them help and recovery; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Deccio cosponsored the bill to require reserved parking for persons with disabilities, helping them better navigate in the world and making a huge difference in their daily lives; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Deccio was a lifetime advocate for persons with developmental disabilities, cosponsoring a bill to reform programs in order to give respite care to parents caring for their loved ones; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Deccio cosponsored legislation creating a disciplinary commission for all health care providers who have been cited for misconduct, thus saving the innocent from harm; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Deccio's work on nursing home legislation and with Medicare resulted in laws that now enable a person to get needed nursing home care without impoverishing their spouse; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Deccio served a session as vice-president pro tem, presiding over the state Senate when the Lieutenant Governor was absent; and
     WHEREAS, Senator Deccio has always championed the elderly, people with disabilities, and people who are unable to take care of themselves; and he has left a lasting legacy in health care;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the members of the Washington State Senate recognize, congratulate, and pay tribute to Senator Alex Deccio for his lifetime of making a difference for all Washingtonians; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the members and staff of the Washington State Senate offer their best wishes for a happy and fulfilling retirement and our deepest gratitude to Senator Alex Deccio.