House honors Natalie Williams and Jeff Hornacek with concurrent resolutions

The Utah House of Representatives paused its legislative business Thursday to recognize two athletes with concurrent resolutions.

HCR8 honored Natalie Williams of the Utah Stars for her victory in the Sony All-Star 2-ball championship and for being named USA Basketball's female athlete of the year; the reading clerk noted Williams will represent the United States at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. Regent Stephens introduced the resolution and invited Williams to the rostrum. "This is a great honor," Williams said, thanking teammates and family.

HCR9 recognized Jeff Hornacek of the Utah Jazz for defending his title in the AT&T 3-point shootout and for directing a $100,000 NBA donation to the Huntsman Cancer Institute, the reading clerk said. Representative Stevens introduced Hornacek and family members who were present; Hornacek thanked lawmakers and told the chamber he and his family had chosen to make Utah their home. "This is a great surprise," Hornacek said, "...it truly is an honor."

Procedurally, both resolutions were initially read in the Committee of the Whole; members dissolved the Committee of the Whole to take proper votes on the floor. HCR8 received 71 yes and 0 no votes and was referred to the Senate; HCR9 received 70 yes and 0 no and was referred to the Senate as well. Both were later transmitted for the Speaker's signature and forwarded to the governor's office.

The recognitions were ceremonial and did not change policy or appropriations. Copies of each resolution were to be presented to the honorees and their teams.