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                                  * * * * *