1-1 By: Fraser S.C.R. No. 2 1-2 (In the Senate - Filed December 21, 2000; January 11, 2001, 1-3 read first time and referred to Committee on State Affairs; 1-4 January 23, 2001, reported adversely, with favorable Committee 1-5 Substitute by the following vote: Yeas 8, Nays 0; 1-6 January 23, 2001, sent to printer.) 1-7 COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR S.C.R. No. 2 By: Fraser 1-8 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 1-9 WHEREAS, The State of Texas traditionally has recognized a 1-10 variety of official state symbols as tangible representations of 1-11 the proud spirit and heritage of our state; and 1-12 WHEREAS, The bluebonnet, the lightning whelk, and the 1-13 armadillo are examples of some natural specimens that serve to 1-14 symbolize the great diversity of the Texas landscape, while the 1-15 state dish, chili, fittingly represents another aspect of our 1-16 shared culture as Texans; and 1-17 WHEREAS, One of the state's most universally enjoyed natural 1-18 resources is the pecan; the nut of this majestic tree, which was 1-19 deservedly named the state tree of Texas in 1919, is a delicious 1-20 food product with considerable nutritional and health benefits; and 1-21 WHEREAS, Pecans contain protein, healthful oils, 1-22 carbohydrates, fiber, iron, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and 1-23 potassium, as well as Vitamins A, B, C, and E and other 1-24 antioxidants; scientific studies have also demonstrated that pecans 1-25 can lower cholesterol, significantly contributing to improved 1-26 cardiovascular health, while helping to reduce the risk of cancer; 1-27 and 1-28 WHEREAS, A significant boon to the Lone Star State's economy, 1-29 the pecan is grown commercially in more than 70 percent of the 1-30 state's counties, and Texas provides over a quarter of the nation's 1-31 pecan crop; and 1-32 WHEREAS, Nutritious and delicious, the pecan is an enduring 1-33 and beloved aspect of the Texas landscape, and it is indeed 1-34 appropriate that it be given special recognition at this time; now, 1-35 therefore, be it 1-36 RESOLVED, That the 77th Legislature of the State of Texas 1-37 hereby designate the pecan as the Official Health Nut of Texas. 1-38 * * * * *