By:  Madla, Estes                                               S.C.R. No. 16 



SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
	WHEREAS, In recognition of both the direct and indirect 
revenues that could be generated for the state by a robust wine 
industry, Lt. Governor Dewhurst charged the Senate Committee on 
Intergovernmental Relations Committee of the 78th Legislature to 
study and make recommendations relating to the development of the 
Texas wine producing industry; assess the impact of state and 
federal laws on the shipment and delivery of wine; and make 
recommendations for increasing the economic impact of the wine 
producing industry in Texas; and
	WHEREAS, The Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Relations 
found that Texas has all the elements necessary to be a competitive 
force in the national and international wine industries; the Texas 
wine producing industry could prove to be a stellar economic 
generator for the state of Texas; with the proper policies in place, 
the Texas wine producing industry is positioned to boom within the 
next 5 to 10 years; although progress has been made throughout the 
years, insufficient funding and budget reductions for new and 
existing education, training, and research hinder the development 
of the industry; and the lack of a consistent, coordinated, and 
centralized effort among industry stakeholders and public policy 
makers to develop appropriate programs and policies; explore, 
develop and access relevant funding streams; and communicate 
concerns and needs to appropriate parties impedes the development 
of this industry to its full potential; and
	WHEREAS, Texas wines are gaining recognition through state, 
national, and international competitions; and
	WHEREAS, There are a number of state and federal programs and 
funding streams that could be accessed to facilitate the further 
growth of the Texas wine industry; and
	WHEREAS, It would be most beneficial to make certain that 
relevant state agencies are aware of the potential value of the 
industry and its needs; and
	WHEREAS, There are occasions where agencies of the state and 
state institutions of higher education organize, sponsor, or fund 
events where alcoholic beverages are served; and
	WHEREAS, If it is the policy of this state to support the 
Texas wine industry, it is only logical that Texas wines be included 
at state sponsored events and in state operated facilities where 
other alcoholic beverages are served; now, therefore be it
	RESOLVED, That the 79th Legislature of the State of Texas 
hereby recognize the importance of the emerging Texas wine industry 
and request of all relevant agencies of the state and institutions 
of higher education their best effort to recognize and secure, from 
the federal government or other appropriate resource, any funding 
or other assistance that might be available to support the 
protection and growth of the Texas wine industry; and, therefore be 
it further
	RESOLVED, That the service of Texas wines be included at all 
state dinners, meetings, conferences and other events and in all 
state or university facilities where wine or other alcoholic 
beverages are served.