87S20288 TBO-F
By: Zaffirini, et al. S.C.R. No. 2
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Texas-Mexico border spans 14 counties in the
State of Texas, and approximately 10 percent of the state's
population resides in a Texas-Mexico border county; and
WHEREAS, Millions of people rely on crossing the border to
access education, health care, retail, and other service industry
necessities, and these activities have a positive effect on the
economic stability of the region; the border generated more than
$350 billion in annual gross domestic product as of 2019, and trade
within the region represents more than 5 percent of Texas' gross
domestic product; and
WHEREAS, In 2018, trade through the El Paso port of entry
affected approximately 165,000 net jobs in Texas and $25 billion in
gross domestic product; moreover, Port Laredo is the largest inland
trade port along the border, ranking third in the nation for total
trade in May 2021; across the United States, the Pharr-Reynosa
International Bridge is the second largest produce-crossing land
port, ensuring the efficient delivery of fresh fruits and
vegetables to all Americans; and
WHEREAS, The Texas-Mexico border is a vibrant, thriving,
multicultural region that contributes to the richness and diversity
of our state and country; the majority of area residents are
Americans of at least partial Mexican descent, and the tri-national
region includes tribal nations such as the Kickapoo Traditional
Tribe of Texas and Ysleta del Sur Pueblo of El Paso; and
WHEREAS, Border communities have long been recognized for
their steadfast commitment to safety; countless generations of
Texans have chosen to rear their families along the Texas-Mexico
border due to its peaceful community, and some of the safest cities
in the country include Brownsville, Eagle Pass, Del Rio, Laredo,
McAllen, and El Paso, which is known for Fort Bliss and its
significant military presence; and
WHEREAS, Multiple cities along the border have been honored
with the All-American City award; El Paso has won the award four
times, and Edinburg has won three times; other recipients of this
prestigious designation include Brownsville, McAllen, Mission,
Hidalgo, Pharr, and Weslaco; and
WHEREAS, The Texas-Mexico border features an ecologically
diverse environment; the region's natural sites include the
Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, Quinta Mazatlán, the
Butterfly Center, and Big Bend National Park, which attracts
numerous species of birds, plants, butterflies, bats, reptiles, and
ants; in addition, one of the state's symbols, the Texas red
grapefruit, is grown in the Rio Grande Valley; and
WHEREAS, Countless Texans benefit from the border region's
premier educational institutions, which include four-year
universities, junior colleges, and trade schools; more than 28,600
students are enrolled in The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley,
and the UTRGV School of Medicine currently serves hundreds of
medical students, medical residents, and fellows who participate in
hospital-based training programs; there are three higher education
institutions in Laredo, namely Texas A&M International University
and Laredo College, which are designated Hispanic-Serving
Institutions, and The University of Texas System Multi-Institution
Center; and
WHEREAS, The Texas-Mexico border region is playing a vital
role in the story of the Lone Star State, and it is indeed deserving
of special recognition; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 87th Legislature of the State of Texas,
2nd Called Session, hereby recognize that the Texas-Mexico border
is vital to the economy, education, and character of our state, and
that the cities and counties along the Texas-Mexico border are
vibrant, prosperous, diverse, and safe communities.