85R10551 BPG-D
By: Howard H.R. No. 716
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Technology industry leaders from some of the
nation's most dynamic start-ups and iconic companies are gathering
at the State Capitol on March 1, 2017, to celebrate the continued
growth of the innovation economy in Texas; and
WHEREAS, Long at the forefront of science, Texas is known for
groundbreaking developments, such as those achieved by NASA's
Apollo Program at the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in Clear Lake,
as well as the advanced research undertaken by public universities
and the disruptive start-up culture that has taken hold in Austin,
San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, and other locations; and
WHEREAS, The technology industry encompasses more than
35,000 businesses across Texas, from cutting-edge entrepreneurs to
established industry leaders; the sector employs more than 600,000
people, representing the second-largest workforce of its kind in
the country; and
WHEREAS, Advanced technology companies are a major driver of
growth, contributing more than 6.2 percent of the state's gross
domestic product; moreover, the number of science, technology,
engineering, and math jobs is expected to grow by over 17 percent
this decade, nearly double the growth rate of non-STEM occupations;
and
WHEREAS, Within the legislature, the House Innovation and
Technology Caucus is committed to informing all members on ways to
further strengthen the economic impact of the technology sector by
supporting the advancement of industry innovation, growth, and
competitiveness and investment in STEM education; and
WHEREAS, Drawing on a rich legacy of scientific achievement,
Texas remains at the forefront of the information technology
revolution, and by creating a welcoming environment for IT
companies, the state is well positioned to reap the benefits of
continued growth in this area of the economy in the years ahead;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize March 1, 2017, as Innovation and
Technology Day at the State Capitol and extend to all those
participating in the event sincere best wishes for an informative
and enjoyable visit.