1-1     By:  Jones (Senate Sponsor - Duncan)                 H.C.R. No. 228

 1-2           (In the Senate - Received from the House May 13, 1997;

 1-3     May 14, 1997, read first time and referred to Committee on

 1-4     Administration; May 18, 1997, reported favorably by the following

 1-5     vote:  Yeas 6, Nays 0; May 18, 1997, sent to printer.)

 1-6                         HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

 1-7           WHEREAS, The Lone Star State is world renowned for the

 1-8     abundance, variety, and excellence of its agricultural output, and

 1-9     throughout the state's history cotton has been a mainstay of the

1-10     Texas economy and culture; and

1-11           WHEREAS, The state's largest cash crop, cotton is planted on

1-12     more acres than any other agricultural product in Texas, and the

1-13     preeminence of the United States in world cotton production is due

1-14     largely to the quantity produced within the state's borders; the

1-15     magnitude of this contribution is reflected in the fact that, if

1-16     Texas were an independent country, it would rank sixth among the

1-17     world's cotton producers; and

1-18           WHEREAS, Through the years, cotton has become closely

1-19     identified with Texas in the popular mind; countless works of art,

1-20     music, literature, and history have reaffirmed the importance of

1-21     cotton to the development of the state, and the tradition of Texas

1-22     producing the nation's first bale of cotton each year aptly

1-23     symbolizes this deep connection; and

1-24           WHEREAS, Cotton is deservedly one of the world's most popular

1-25     fabrics, combining durability, versatility, and remarkable comfort;

1-26     particularly well suited to the Lone Star State's unique range of

1-27     climatic conditions, cotton clothing is a typically Texan

1-28     tradition, and its many virtues underscore the fiber's importance

1-29     to the state; and

1-30           WHEREAS, Cotton is universally acknowledged as an essential

1-31     element of the Lone Star State's history and heritage, and it is

1-32     indeed fitting that this close relationship be recognized at this

1-33     time; now, therefore, be it

1-34           RESOLVED, That the 75th Legislature of the State of Texas

1-35     hereby designate cotton the Official State Fiber and Fabric of

1-36     Texas.

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