SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 151 Offered January 17, 2006 Commending Susan Clarke Schaar. ---------- Patrons-- Chichester, Bell, Blevins, Colgan, Cuccinelli, Deeds, Devolites Davis, Edwards, Hanger, Hawkins, Houck, Howell, Lambert, Locke, Lucas, Marsh, Martin, McDougle, Miller, Mims, Newman, Norment, Obenshain, O'Brien, Potts, Puckett, Puller, Quayle, Rerras, Reynolds, Ruff, Saslaw, Stolle, Stosch, Ticer, Wagner, Wampler, Watkins, Whipple and Williams ----------

WHEREAS,  Susan Clarke Schaar, Clerk of the Senate of Virginia, is serving as the staff chair officer of the executive committee of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) for the conference year 2005-2006, the first Virginian to achieve this honor; and

WHEREAS, NCSL is a bipartisan organization that serves the legislatures of the nation’s 50 states, providing research, technical assistance, and opportunities for legislative members and staff to share resources regarding current and emerging state issues; the executive committee meets four times a year, is the governing body of NCSL, and has 60 elected members with seven serving as officers; and

WHEREAS, Susan Schaar began her distinguished career with the Senate Clerk’s office in 1974, culminating in her election as Clerk of the Senate of Virginia in 1990, where she has served with distinction and exceptional dedication; and

WHEREAS, Susan Schaar has served on numerous American Society of Legislative Clerks and Secretaries Association committees, as well as in leadership positions, including secretary-treasurer in the 1995-1996 term and president-elect, president, and immediate past president in consecutive terms in 1996-1999; and

WHEREAS, because of her vast experience in state government and her remarkable leadership ability, Susan Schaar has served on key NCSL committees, such as the executive committee, the Legislative Staff Coordinating Committee, and the Assembly on State Issues, but among her most notable achievements are her longtime support of state legislature organizations and the generous contribution of her time and considerable talents to their activities; and

WHEREAS, Susan Schaar is committed to excellence in state government and will serve NCSL with great skill and integrity; her superb leadership on behalf of the state legislatures affords high regard to the Senate of Virginia and the Commonwealth; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly congratulate Susan Clarke Schaar on her selection as the staff chair officer of the executive committee of the National Conference of State Legislatures; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Deputy Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Susan Clarke Schaar as an expression of the General Assembly’s gratitude for her devotion to the Senate of Virginia and her outstanding service to the state legislatures across the nation.