By McCall H.R. No. 253 77R5981 GMW-F 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.