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