SENATE RESOLUTION 62

(By Senators Takubo, Stollings, Rucker, Cline, and Lindsay)

[Introduced March 2, 2020]

Recognizing October as National Dwarfism Month.

Whereas, The Little People of America, Inc. (LPA), a nonprofit organization, is the nation’s oldest and largest organization for people with dwarfism, and celebrated its 62nd anniversary in 2019; and

Whereas, LPA was founded by the late actor Billy Barty, who, during his 70 plus year career, appeared in more than 100 films and television shows; and

Whereas, LPA is the only dwarfism support organization that includes all 200 plus forms of dwarfism and welcomes family members and people with dwarfism alike; and

Whereas, The need and support that LPA provides is demonstrated by the fact that what began with 20 people in Reno, Nevada, in 1957 has grown to a membership of more than 8000 in 2018; and

Whereas, There are an estimated 30,000 people with dwarfism in the United States, and 651,700 in the world; and

Whereas, LPA is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with dwarfism throughout their lives while celebrating with great pride Little People’s contribution to social diversity; and

Whereas, People with dwarfism contribute to the strength of the economy of West Virginia by being productive members of the workforce, covering all fields and professions; and

Whereas, LPA provides to its members support on issues including: Parenting, adoption assistance, educational scholarships, medical knowledge and access to specialists in dwarfism, peer support, bullying, community outreach, and advocacy; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby recognizes October as National Dwarfism Month; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to Diana Sova and to the Little People of America, District 5.