84R6826 BPG-F
By: King of Uvalde H.R. No. 254
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Texas has the nation's largest rural population, and
rural concerns are of enormous importance to the Lone Star State;
and
WHEREAS, Today, 3.2 million Texans, or 16 percent, live in
rural areas; of the 254 counties in Texas, 172 are rural, and rural
land totals 142 million acres, representing 84 percent of total
land area; and
WHEREAS, Our state leads the country in the number of farms
and ranches, which cover 130.2 million acres, and small rural
telephone cooperatives and companies provide service to over half
the geographic area; and
WHEREAS, Texas has more women and minority farm operations
than any other state, and almost a third of the population in rural
counties is 65 or older; reflecting the deep patriotism of the
countryside, the majority of the nation's military men and women
hail from rural backgrounds; and
WHEREAS, Such essential products as food, fuel, and fiber are
among those originating in rural Texas, but although rural
operations contribute billions to the Texas economy, rural families
typically earn only 48 percent of what metropolitan workers earn;
and
WHEREAS, While the rural population may be decreasing, rural
people continue to demonstrate resolve and determination, as well
as love for family, faith, and country, and the future of this state
and nation depends in large part on the vibrancy and prosperity of
our rural communities; and
WHEREAS, A special legislative day provides a most fitting
occasion to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of
rural citizens, businesses, and industries; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize February 3, 2015, as Rural Matters Day
in Texas and express its gratitude and appreciation for the myriad
contributions of rural Texans.