By:  Madla, Estes                                               S.C.R. No. 17 



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, Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst charged the Senate 
Committee on Intergovernmental Relations of the 78th Legislature to 
study and make recommendations relating to the development of the 
Texas wine 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 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 industry could prove to be a stellar economic generator for the 
state, and with the proper policies in place, the industry is 
positioned to boom within the next five to 10 years; and
	WHEREAS, Although progress has been made through the years, 
insufficient funding and budget reductions for new and existing 
education, training, and research hinder the development of the 
industry; moreover, the lack of a consistent, coordinated, and 
centralized effort among industry stakeholders and public policy 
makers to develop appropriate programs and policies, to explore, 
develop, and access relevant funding streams, and to communicate 
concerns and needs to appropriate parties impedes the development 
of this industry to its full potential; and
	WHEREAS, It has been shown by the world's major wine 
producing regions that investment in education and research creates 
an unparalleled advantage; and
	WHEREAS, Expansion of the Texas wine industry will require an 
influx of professional talent and expertise, particularly in the 
specialized fields of wine production and vineyard development; and
	WHEREAS, Nationwide, only universities in California and 
Washington offer four-year undergraduate degree programs in 
viticulture or enology; and
	WHEREAS, Testimony at the October 6, 2004, hearing of the 
Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Relations indicated that 
there are individuals and organizations ready, willing, and able to 
assist with the development of viticulture and enology education 
but that there is no specific undergraduate or graduate degree 
program in which to vest their support; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the 79th Legislature of the State of Texas 
hereby respectfully encourage Texas A&M University, Texas Tech 
University, Grayson County College T. V. Munson Viticulture and 
Enology Center, and other Texas institutions of higher education 
offering education and research opportunities in viticulture and 
enology to collaborate to develop a world-class education and 
research program within the State of Texas; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That the efforts of this collaboration be reported 
to the members of the legislature not later than the opening day of 
the 80th Legislative Session; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That the Texas secretary of state forward an 
official copy of this resolution to the chairman of the Texas Higher 
Education Coordinating Board.