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 1998 alone, Texas' academic and research
1-12     institutions invested more than $1 billion in research and
1-13     development, and from these institutions, in tandem with almost 500
1-14     life science companies across the state, new technologies emerge
1-15     and are introduced to consumers; and
1-16           WHEREAS, These new technologies range from innovative
1-17     treatments for cancer and infectious disease to advanced diagnostic
1-18     and medical devices, and they represent a tremendous advantage for
1-19     both the consumer and the economy in Texas; medical research and
1-20     life science companies produced a gross state product impact of
1-21     nearly $4 billion in 2000 and employed more than 50,000 Texans; and
1-22           WHEREAS, The continued growth and advancement of the life
1-23     science industry in Texas holds great promise; some small measure
1-24     of the potential this remarkable field holds will be highlighted in
 2-1     a display in the Capitol Extension from February 19 to 23, with
 2-2     exhibits detailing the wonders of this growing field; and
 2-3           WHEREAS, The health and economic benefits provided to our
 2-4     state by the businesses and institutions involved in the life
 2-5     science industry are countless, and it is indeed appropriate to
 2-6     recognize these entities and their important contributions at this
 2-7     time; now, therefore, be it
 2-8           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas
 2-9     Legislature hereby recognize February 20, 2001, as Texas Life
2-10     Science Day and extend to all those individuals in this worthy
2-11     field best wishes for continued success.
                                                                      McCall
                                             _______________________________
                                                   Speaker of the House
               I certify that H.R. No. 253 was adopted by the House on
         February 20, 2001, by a non-record vote.
                                             _______________________________
                                                 Chief Clerk of the House