By: Fraser S.C.R. No. 2 Line and page numbers may not match official copy. Bill not drafted by TLC or Senate E&E. CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 1-1 WHEREAS, The State of Texas traditionally has recognized a 1-2 variety of official state symbols as tangible representations of 1-3 the proud spirit and heritage of our state; and 1-4 WHEREAS, The bluebonnet, the lightning whelk, and the 1-5 armadillo are examples of some natural specimens that serve to 1-6 symbolize the great diversity of the Texas landscape, while the 1-7 state dish, chili, fittingly represents another aspect of our 1-8 shared culture as Texans; and 1-9 WHEREAS, One of the state's most universally enjoyed natural 1-10 resources is the pecan; the nut of this majestic tree, which was 1-11 deservedly named the state tree of Texas in 1919, is a delicious 1-12 food product with considerable nutritional and health benefits; and 1-13 WHEREAS, Pecans contain protein, monounsaturated and 1-14 polyunsaturated "healthy" oils, carbohydrates, fiber, iron, 1-15 calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and potassium, as well as Vitamins A, B, 1-16 C, and E and other antioxidants; scientific studies have also 1-17 demonstrated that pecans can lower cholesterol, significantly 1-18 contributing to improved cardiovascular health, while helping to 1-19 reduce the risk of cancer; and 1-20 WHEREAS, A significant boon to the Lone Star State's economy, 1-21 the pecan is grown commercially in more than 70 percent of the 1-22 state's counties and Texas provides over a quarter of the nation's 1-23 pecan crop; and 2-1 WHEREAS, Nutritious and delicious, the pecan is an enduring 2-2 and beloved aspect of the Texas landscape, and it is indeed 2-3 appropriate that it be given special recognition at this time; now, 2-4 therefore, be it 2-5 RESOLVED, That the 77th Legislature of the State of Texas 2-6 hereby designate the pecan as the Official State Health Nut of 2-7 Texas.