1-1                          SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 277
 1-2           WHEREAS, Since the discovery of DNA in 1953, the field of
 1-3     life science has evolved quickly and has led to medical advances
 1-4     that have improved the quality of life for millions around the world
 1-5     and in Texas, and the new generation of scientists and researchers
 1-6     of this state is indeed deserving of special legislative recognition;
 1-7     and
 1-8           WHEREAS, The cycle of innovation in the area of life science
 1-9     has brought great benefits to the Lone Star State; not only has the
1-10     physical health of Texans been improved by these advances, but the
1-11     economic health of the state has benefited as well; and
1-12           WHEREAS, In 1996 alone, the 55 medical research institutions
1-13     in Texas invested $899 million in research and development; this
1-14     represents a huge investment in academic research, and from these
1-15     institutions, in tandem with almost 500 life science companies
1-16     across the state, new technologies emerge and are introduced to
1-17     consumers; and
1-18           WHEREAS, These new technologies range from innovative
1-19     treatments for cancer and infectious disease to advanced diagnostic
1-20     and medical devices, and they represent a tremendous advantage for
1-21     both the consumer and the economy in Texas; medical research and
1-22     life science companies generated $1.04 billion for state and local
1-23     governments in 1997 and employed nearly 49,000 Texans; and
1-24           WHEREAS, The continued growth and advancement of the life
 2-1     science industry in Texas holds great promise; some small measure
 2-2     of the potential this remarkable field holds will be highlighted in
 2-3     a display in the Capitol Extension from February 22 to 26, with
 2-4     exhibits detailing the wonders of this growing field; and
 2-5           WHEREAS, The health and economic benefits provided to our
 2-6     state by the businesses and institutions involved in the life
 2-7     science industry are countless, and it is indeed appropriate to
 2-8     recognize these entities and their important contributions at this
 2-9     time; now, therefore, be it
2-10           RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
2-11     76th Legislature, hereby declare February 23, 1999, Texas
2-12     Life Science Day and extend to all those individuals in this
2-13     worthy field warm best wishes for continued success.
2-14                                                                  Nelson
2-15                                  ______________________________________
2-16                                          President of the Senate
2-17                                       I hereby certify that the above
2-18                                  Resolution was adopted by the Senate
2-19                                  on February 23, 1999.
2-20                                  ______________________________________
2-21                                          Secretary of the Senate
2-22                                  ______________________________________
2-23                                           Member, Texas Senate