2017S0600-1 03/20/17
By: RodrÃguez S.R. No. 706
SENATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, From the founding of our country onward,
generations of immigrants have come to the United States in hopes
of realizing the promise of the American dream; and
WHEREAS, In 2015, immigrants of all statuses accounted for
20.6 percent of the Texas labor force; many of those individuals
have greatly benefited the state economy as small business owners
and entrepreneurs--9.4 percent of immigrants in Texas are
self-employed, compared to just 5.8 percent of the native-born
population--while more still have played an essential role in a
wide range of industries, especially education, health care, and
social-assistance services; and
WHEREAS, Immigrants residing in Texas earned an estimated
$119 billion in wage, salary, and self-employment income in 2015,
and undocumented immigrants in the state pay approximately $1.5
billion in state and local taxes each year; and
WHEREAS, A dynamic and diverse workforce is vital to the
prosperity of the Lone Star State, and it is indeed fitting that
immigrants be recognized for their innumerable contributions to
the Texas economy; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th
Legislature, hereby honor the economic contributions made by
immigrants to the Lone Star State.