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SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 216
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WHEREAS, Telecommunications professionals from small and |
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rural telecommunications providers across the state are |
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gathering in Austin on February 19, 2019, to celebrate their |
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important contributions to the prosperity of the Lone Star State |
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and the state's goal of universal telecommunications services |
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throughout the state; and |
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WHEREAS, Nearly 85 percent of Texas is considered rural; |
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rural areas in Texas encompass 142 million acres in 172 counties, |
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and are home to more than 3.2 million people, the largest rural |
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population in the nation; and |
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WHEREAS, Each year, more than $200 billion of the Texas |
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gross domestic product is generated by such traditionally rural |
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industries as agriculture, forestry, hunting, and oil and gas |
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production, and these enterprises require and depend on the |
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latest in modern communications technology; and |
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WHEREAS, In response to the needs of these industries and |
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their communities, 44 of the small and rural incumbent local |
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exchange carriers of Texas, also known as small and rural ILECs, |
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are bringing a high-quality telecommunications network to the |
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vast rural expanse of the state, including remote regions that |
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are most expensive to serve; and |
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WHEREAS, This state-of-the-art network provides critical |
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infrastructure for education, economic development, health care, |
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law enforcement, and border security; and |
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WHEREAS, In addition, the small and rural ILECs support |
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more than 6,300 jobs and are responsible for over $2.5 billion in |
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direct and indirect economic impact to Texas; and |
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WHEREAS, These incumbent local exchange carriers play a |
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vital role in the dynamic economy of Texas in the 21st century, |
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and they are truly deserving of special recognition for their |
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accomplishments and contributions; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th |
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Legislature, hereby recognize February 19, 2019, as Small and |
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Rural Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers Day at the State Capitol |
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and extend to the visiting telecommunications professionals |
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sincere best wishes for a memorable and productive visit to Austin. |
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Perry |
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President of the Senate |
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I hereby certify that the |
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above Resolution was adopted by |
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the Senate on February 19, 2019. |
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Secretary of the Senate |
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Member, Texas Senate |