By Gutierrez                                           H.R. No. 387
         77R8371 MMS-D                           
                                 R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, Governor Rick Perry has been chosen as 2001 Border
 1-2     Texan of the Year and will be honored with a reception and dinner
 1-3     in Hidalgo on March 2 during Hidalgo's BorderFest; and
 1-4           WHEREAS, Sworn in as the 47th governor of Texas on December
 1-5     21, 2000, Governor Perry has spoken strongly of his intention to
 1-6     make border issues a priority during his administration; his goals
 1-7     for the region include improving health care, educational
 1-8     opportunities, and infrastructure for border residents; and
 1-9           WHEREAS, The historic Texas borderlands stretch some 1,250
1-10     miles along the Rio Grande and encompass communities dating back to
1-11     the 17th and 18th centuries; today three of the  fastest growing
1-12     metropolitan areas in the United States are located in this
1-13     extensive district; and
1-14           WHEREAS, In helping residents of the Texas border meet the
1-15     myriad challenges and opportunities of the dawning century,
1-16     Governor Perry will be able to draw on significant personal and
1-17     professional experience relating to issues of importance to this
1-18     state; and
1-19           WHEREAS, A fifth-generation Texan, he was raised on his
1-20     family's farm and ranch near Paint Creek in Haskell County and
1-21     earned a degree in animal science from Texas A&M University; after
1-22     representing his rural district in the house of representatives
1-23     from 1985 to 1991, he served two terms as Texas commissioner of
1-24     agriculture and subsequently won election in 1998 as lieutenant
 2-1     governor; and
 2-2           WHEREAS, Governor Perry consequently brings to the work at
 2-3     hand not only a deep understanding of rural and agricultural
 2-4     issues, but expertise and a perspective gained during his
 2-5     outstanding service in both the legislative and executive branches
 2-6     of state government; and
 2-7           WHEREAS, The Texas borderlands constitute one of the state's
 2-8     most diverse and most dynamic regions, and it is indeed appropriate
 2-9     that Governor Perry, whose extensive knowledge and commitment are
2-10     being brought to bear in the interests of this vital part of the
2-11     Lone Star State, should be chosen as 2001 Border Texan of the Year;
2-12     now, therefore, be it
2-13           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas
2-14     Legislature hereby congratulate Governor Rick Perry on being named
2-15     2001 Border Texan of the Year and commend his dedication to the
2-16     people of the Texas border region; and, be it further
2-17           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
2-18     prepared for Governor Perry as an expression of highest esteem by
2-19     the Texas House of Representatives.