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 honoring of picante 1-10 sauce as a True Texas Original and the recognition of Texas as the 1-11 Birthplace of Picante Sauce would provide suitable recognition for 1-12 this outstanding condiment, which is helping to change the eating 1-13 habits of countless Americans; and 1-14 WHEREAS, Fifty years ago in San Antonio, David Pace developed 1-15 the first commercial picante sauce and spawned an industry that has 1-16 since grown to include more than 300 varieties of picante and other 1-17 Mexican-style salsas; and 1-18 WHEREAS, The popularity of picante sauce, salsa, and Tex-Mex 1-19 cuisine has risen dramatically in recent years, and Americans now 1-20 consume more picante sauce and salsa than ketchup; and 1-21 WHEREAS, Texas is the nation's top producer of picante sauce, 1-22 and the many manufacturers who purchase Texas agricultural products 1-23 and employ Texans to make and export this unique product contribute 1-24 millions of dollars to the state's economy; and 2-1 WHEREAS, Picante sauce is as distinctive as the proud state 2-2 from which it originates, and it would undoubtedly serve as a 2-3 fitting symbol of the industrious and innovative spirit with which 2-4 Texans are justly identified; now, therefore, be it 2-5 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas 2-6 Legislature hereby honor picante sauce as a True Texas Original and 2-7 recognize Texas as the Birthplace of Picante Sauce. McClendon _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1314 was adopted by the House on May 31, 1997, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House