R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, Since the discovery of DNA in 1953, the field of 1-2 life science has evolved quickly and has led to medical advances 1-3 that have improved the quality of life for millions around the 1-4 world and in Texas, and the new generation of scientists and 1-5 researchers of this state is indeed deserving of special 1-6 legislative recognition; and 1-7 WHEREAS, The cycle of innovation in the area of life science 1-8 has brought great benefits to the Lone Star State; not only has the 1-9 physical health of Texans been improved by these advances, but the 1-10 economic health of the state has benefited as well; and 1-11 WHEREAS, In 1996 alone, the 55 medical research institutions 1-12 in Texas invested $899 million in research and development; this 1-13 represents a huge investment in academic research, and from these 1-14 institutions, in tandem with almost 500 life science companies 1-15 across the state, new technologies emerge and are introduced to 1-16 consumers; and 1-17 WHEREAS, These new technologies range from innovative 1-18 treatments for cancer and infectious disease to advanced diagnostic 1-19 and medical devices, and they represent a tremendous advantage for 1-20 both the consumer and the economy in Texas; medical research and 1-21 life science companies generated $1.04 billion for state and local 1-22 governments in 1997, and employed nearly 49,000 Texans; and 1-23 WHEREAS, The continued growth and advancement of the life 1-24 science industry in Texas holds great promise; some small measure 2-1 of the potential this remarkable field holds will be highlighted in 2-2 a display in the Capitol Extension from February 22 to 26, with 2-3 exhibits detailing the wonders of this growing field; and 2-4 WHEREAS, The health and economic benefits provided to our 2-5 state by the businesses and institutions involved in the life 2-6 science industry are countless, and it is indeed appropriate to 2-7 recognize these entities and their important contributions at this 2-8 time; now, therefore, be it 2-9 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas 2-10 Legislature hereby declare February 23, 1999, Texas Life Science 2-11 Day and extend to all those individuals in this worthy field warm 2-12 best wishes for continued success. McCall _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 233 was adopted by the House on February 23, 1999, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House