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SENATE RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, A distinguished delegation from South Texas is |
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visiting Austin on February 19, 2025, to celebrate Rio Grande |
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Valley Day at the State Capitol; and |
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WHEREAS, Benefiting from a strategic location on the Gulf |
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of Mexico and along the Mexican border, the Rio Grande Valley was |
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an important ranching region when Texas became the nation's 28th |
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state in 1845; over time, the focus shifted from ranching to |
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agriculture, and the Rio Grande Valley became the state's center |
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of citrus and vegetable production; and |
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WHEREAS, Flourishing industry and growing international |
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trade in the 1960s led the Rio Grande Valley to become an economic |
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powerhouse for the state as it facilitated a tremendous volume of |
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goods across the United States-Mexico border; each year, the |
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Valley's 13 ports of entry accommodate millions of vehicle and |
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pedestrian crossings and facilitate nearly $1 trillion in |
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commercial trade; and |
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WHEREAS, The Rio Grande Valley is home to a growing |
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population of nearly 1.5 million citizens, which has prompted |
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local and state leaders to expand access to higher education and |
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health care, strengthen the workforce, increase transportation |
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and ports of entry infrastructure, and increase funding for |
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public education in the region; and |
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WHEREAS, A wealth of higher education institutions |
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including The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Texas A&M |
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University Higher Education Center, Texas A&M University Health |
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Science Center McAllen, South Texas College, Texas Southmost |
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College, and Texas State Technical College are located in the |
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Valley with new programs being introduced every year; and |
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WHEREAS, A vibrant region with a rich heritage, the Rio |
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Grande Valley is poised to take advantage of exceptional |
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opportunities for economic and community development, and it is |
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indeed fitting to honor the Valley's residents on their |
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commitment to a bright and prosperous future for the area; now, |
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therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th |
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Legislature, hereby recognize February 19, 2025, as Rio Grande |
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Valley Day at the Capitol and extend to all in attendance sincere |
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best wishes for a productive and enjoyable visit. |