H.R. No. 1175 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Refugee Advocacy Day is being recognized at the State Capitol on April 20, 2023; and WHEREAS, Over the years, Texans have demonstrated compassion and public spirit in welcoming refugees to the Lone Star State; in turn, those refugees have helped to strengthen the state's economy, contributing to the success of hundreds of Texas companies and stimulating the market with a spending power of some $4.6 billion; and WHEREAS, Embodying the resilience, determination, and optimism that have always defined the American spirit, many refugees have gone on to become business owners and industry leaders; in addition, the taxes they pay more than compensate for their use of shared public services, with refugees on average contributing a net amount of $21,000 during their first 20 years in the country; and WHEREAS, Refugees resettled in Texas add to the economic and cultural richness of our state, and the individuals and organizations who have helped refugees rebuild their lives here are indeed deserving of acknowledgment for setting a humanitarian example that is respected and admired around the world; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby recognize April 20, 2023, as Refugee Advocacy Day at the State Capitol and extend to all those participating in this event sincere best wishes for the future. Lambert ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1175 was adopted by the House on April 20, 2023, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House