2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26104513D

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 115

Offered February 6, 2026

Commending Gustavo Torres.

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Patrons—Torian; Senator: McPike

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WHEREAS, Gustavo Torres, the longtime executive director of CASA, one of the largest immigrant and Latino advocacy organizations in the Commonwealth and the Mid-Atlantic United States, retired in November 2025; and

WHEREAS, Gustavo Torres devoted 34 years, including 31 years as executive director, to advancing CASA's mission through various advocacy campaigns and initiatives; and

WHEREAS, under Gustavo Torres's leadership, CASA grew from a group of three people in a church basement in 1991 into an organization that staffs hundreds of people across the Commonwealth, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Georgia, with nearly 200,000 members from 46 states and Puerto Rico; and

WHEREAS, through appearances on C-SPAN and a national rally he helped organize in Washington, D.C., in 2013, Gustavo Torres became a recognized and respected voice for immigrant rights and services on the national stage; and

WHEREAS, Gustavo Torres's success was a product of his visionary leadership and his willingness to foster coalitions with other advocacy groups to achieve CASA's mission and objectives; and

WHEREAS, Gustavo Torres's legacy of service with CASA and the remarkable impact he had on the organization was recognized at CASA's 40th anniversary celebration on September 18, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Gustavo Torres demonstrated extraordinary compassion and integrity over a career dedicated to the health and well-being of all people and made a profound and lasting impact on countless lives; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Gustavo Torres, executive director of CASA, on the occasion of his retirement; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Gustavo Torres as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his contributions to the Commonwealth and best wishes for a joyful and fulfilling retirement.