By McClendon                                          H.R. No. 1240

         75R17181 SAJ-D                           

                                 R E S O L U T I O N

 1-1           WHEREAS, The State of Texas traditionally has recognized a

 1-2     variety of official state symbols as tangible representations of

 1-3     the proud spirit and heritage of our state; and

 1-4           WHEREAS, The mockingbird, the bluebonnet, and the pecan tree

 1-5     are examples of some natural specimens that serve to symbolize the

 1-6     great diversity of the Texas landscape, while the state dish,

 1-7     chili, fittingly represents another aspect of our shared culture as

 1-8     Texans; and

 1-9           WHEREAS, In keeping with this custom, the recognition of

1-10     picante sauce as the Official State Sauce of Texas would provide

1-11     suitable acclaim for this outstanding condiment, which is helping

1-12     to change the eating habits of countless Americans; and

1-13           WHEREAS, Fifty years ago in San Antonio, David Pace developed

1-14     the first commercial picante sauce and spawned an industry that has

1-15     since grown to include more than 300 varieties of picante and other

1-16     Mexican-style salsas; and

1-17           WHEREAS, The popularity of picante sauce, salsa, and Tex-Mex

1-18     cuisine has risen dramatically in recent years, and Americans now

1-19     consume more picante sauce and salsa than ketchup; and

1-20           WHEREAS, Texas is the nation's top producer of picante sauce,

1-21     and the many manufacturers who purchase Texas agricultural products

1-22     and employ Texans to make and export this unique product contribute

1-23     millions of dollars to the state's economy; and

1-24           WHEREAS, Picante sauce is as distinctive as the proud state

 2-1     from which it originates, and it would undoubtedly serve as a

 2-2     fitting symbol of the industrious and innovative spirit with which

 2-3     Texans are justly identified; now, therefore, be it

 2-4                          

 2-5           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas

 2-6     Legislature hereby recognize picante sauce as the Official State

 2-7     Sauce of Texas.