87S20288 TBO-F
 
  By: Zaffirini, et al. S.C.R. No. 2
 
 
 
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
         WHEREAS, The Texas-Mexico border spans 14 counties in the
  State of Texas, and approximately 10 percent of the state's
  population resides in a Texas-Mexico border county; and
         WHEREAS, Millions of people rely on crossing the border to
  access education, health care, retail, and other service industry
  necessities, and these activities have a positive effect on the
  economic stability of the region; the border generated more than
  $350 billion in annual gross domestic product as of 2019, and trade
  within the region represents more than 5 percent of Texas' gross
  domestic product; and
         WHEREAS, In 2018, trade through the El Paso port of entry
  affected approximately 165,000 net jobs in Texas and $25 billion in
  gross domestic product; moreover, Port Laredo is the largest inland
  trade port along the border, ranking third in the nation for total
  trade in May 2021; across the United States, the Pharr-Reynosa
  International Bridge is the second largest produce-crossing land
  port, ensuring the efficient delivery of fresh fruits and
  vegetables to all Americans; and
         WHEREAS, The Texas-Mexico border is a vibrant, thriving,
  multicultural region that contributes to the richness and diversity
  of our state and country; the majority of area residents are
  Americans of at least partial Mexican descent, and the tri-national
  region includes tribal nations such as the Kickapoo Traditional
  Tribe of Texas and Ysleta del Sur Pueblo of El Paso; and
         WHEREAS, Border communities have long been recognized for
  their steadfast commitment to safety; countless generations of
  Texans have chosen to rear their families along the Texas-Mexico
  border due to its peaceful community, and some of the safest cities
  in the country include Brownsville, Eagle Pass, Del Rio, Laredo,
  McAllen, and El Paso, which is known for Fort Bliss and its
  significant military presence; and
         WHEREAS, Multiple cities along the border have been honored
  with the All-American City award; El Paso has won the award four
  times, and Edinburg has won three times; other recipients of this
  prestigious designation include Brownsville, McAllen, Mission,
  Hidalgo, Pharr, and Weslaco; and
         WHEREAS, The Texas-Mexico border features an ecologically
  diverse environment; the region's natural sites include the
  Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, Quinta Mazatlán, the
  Butterfly Center, and Big Bend National Park, which attracts
  numerous species of birds, plants, butterflies, bats, reptiles, and
  ants; in addition, one of the state's symbols, the Texas red
  grapefruit, is grown in the Rio Grande Valley; and
         WHEREAS, Countless Texans benefit from the border region's
  premier educational institutions, which include four-year
  universities, junior colleges, and trade schools; more than 28,600
  students are enrolled in The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley,
  and the UTRGV School of Medicine currently serves hundreds of
  medical students, medical residents, and fellows who participate in
  hospital-based training programs; there are three higher education
  institutions in Laredo, namely Texas A&M International University
  and Laredo College, which are designated Hispanic-Serving
  Institutions, and The University of Texas System Multi-Institution
  Center; and
         WHEREAS, The Texas-Mexico border region is playing a vital
  role in the story of the Lone Star State, and it is indeed deserving
  of special recognition; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the 87th Legislature of the State of Texas,
  2nd Called Session, hereby recognize that the Texas-Mexico border
  is vital to the economy, education, and character of our state, and
  that the cities and counties along the Texas-Mexico border are
  vibrant, prosperous, diverse, and safe communities.