H.R. No. 1127 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, The city of Austin celebrated the 50th anniversary of its sister city relationship with Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico, in November 2018, and is further commemorating the cities' partnership with "Saltillo Day in Austin" on April 6, 2019; and WHEREAS, Promoting mutually advantageous connections, the sister city alliance stems from the Sister Cities International initiative created in 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower; the program advances peace and prosperity through cultural, educational, humanitarian, and economic development efforts; and WHEREAS, Saltillo, the capital of the state of Coahuila, in northeastern Mexico, was one of the first of Austin's sister cities; the pair's status as sister cities was established in 1968 as an outgrowth of policies enacted by the Texas Good Neighbor Commission, and over the past five decades, the cities have exemplified the spirit of friendship, cooperation, and reciprocity that is at the core of the program's mission; and WHEREAS, Since the 1980s, delegations from both cities have made annual exchange visits to discuss such issues as education, culture, economic development, and municipal services, with an emphasis on sharing resources and working mutually to meet one another's needs; these visits have evolved into the cross-border observances of "Austin Day in Saltillo" and "Saltillo Day in Austin," occasions that have helped generate more opportunities for residents in each community to learn about the culture, businesses, food, customs, and people of their sister city; and WHEREAS, For half a century, the special bond enjoyed by the cities of Austin and Saltillo has provided myriad benefits to their citizens, and it is a pleasure to join in celebrating the longevity of this unique and vibrant partnership; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas Legislature hereby commemorate the 50th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Austin and Saltillo and extend to all those associated with the program best wishes for a memorable "Saltillo Day in Austin." Rodriguez ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1127 was adopted by the House on April 18, 2019, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House