Texas Senate Bill SR221

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Introduced: 2/18/09
• Enrolled: 2/18/09
• Passed: 2/18/09

Caption

Recognizing February 16 through 20, 2009, as Texas Technology Week.

Impact

The resolution calls attention to the historical significance and current success of the high-tech and life-sciences sectors in Texas. It notes that in 2006, nearly one out of every 23 U.S. biotechnology employees worked in Texas, with the state also being home to numerous Nobel Prize recipients in biotechnology. Moreover, Texas's growth in biotechnology-related patents is outpacing the national average, showcasing the state's leading position in technological advancement and innovation.

Summary

Senate Resolution 221 recognizes February 16 through 20, 2009, as Texas Technology Week, a period aimed at increasing public awareness of the extraordinary achievements of the technology and life-sciences industries in Texas. The resolution highlights the significant role these sectors play in the state's economy, asserting that they employ more Texans than the oil, natural gas, and agriculture industries combined. It emphasizes the high-wage jobs and the contribution of these industries to a diverse and growing economy in Texas.

Contention

While the resolution serves primarily as a recognition of Texas Technology Week, it implicitly serves to commend the role that public and higher education systems play in fostering a highly skilled workforce necessary for these industries. This highlights the ongoing discussions around the need for educational support to ensure continued growth in the technology and life-sciences sectors and suggests potential areas of focus for future legislative action.