SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 250

WHEREAS, Civic and business leaders from Tyler, Kilgore, Lindale, Gladewater, and Longview are joining together on February 26, 2019, to celebrate East Texas Coalition Day at the State Capitol; and

WHEREAS, Situated in the Piney Woods region of East Texas, Tyler, Kilgore, Lindale, Gladewater, and Longview share the attributes of great natural beauty, abundant resources, and energetic and engaged citizens, all of which have played a vital role in the growth and prosperity of our state; and

WHEREAS, Tyler has a preeminent medical center, as well as multiple institutions of higher education, and it also is home to the renowned Texas Rose Festival and the Municipal Rose Garden and Museum; and

WHEREAS, Kilgore is an important center for the oil and high technology industries, and Kilgore College offers such outstanding cultural attractions as the Texas Shakespeare Festival and the world-famous Rangerette drill team Showcase and Museum; and

WHEREAS, Lindale has long been known for its impressive blackberry harvest and is home to one of Texas's premier school districts; Lindale Independent School District has achieved state and national recognition for its tradition of excellence, and Lindale High School has won the 5A Academic State Championship meet for the past two years; and

WHEREAS, Regarded as the "Antique Capital of East Texas," Gladewater is nestled at the junction of Gregg, Upshur, and Smith Counties, and it hosts a number of noteworthy events throughout the year, including East Texas Gusher Days, the Roundup Rodeo, and the Arts and Crafts Festival; and

WHEREAS, Longview is the largest city in Gregg County and is the location of LeTourneau University; the city boasts the Longview Museum of Fine Arts, one of its several outstanding museums, and the Great Texas Balloon Race; in the past year, the East Texas Advanced Manufacturing Academy opened, and the Longview Lobos reached the pinnacle of high school football success when the team won the 2018 University Interscholastic League 6A Division II state championship; and

WHEREAS, The residents of these five notable cities may take great pride in their impressive achievements as they confidently embrace the opportunities of the future, and this special day provides a fitting opportunity to honor them and their unique region of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th Legislature, hereby recognize February 26, 2019, as East Texas Coalition Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation best wishes for a meaningful and memorable day in Austin.

Hughes

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 26, 2019.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate