88R10687 BHH-D By: González of El Paso H.R. No. 155 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Proud representatives of four major metropolitan LGBTQ chambers of commerce from across the state are gathering in Austin for the first Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce Advocacy Day at the State Capitol on February 14, 2023; and WHEREAS, These organizations include the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce, the North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce, and the San Antonio LGBT Chamber of Commerce, and they have joined together to form a statewide coalition of more than 1,000 LGBT-owned and allied businesses; the cities the chambers represent account for nearly half of the state's population; and WHEREAS, Having originally joined forces to combat discrimination and promote equality, inclusion, and economic vitality across Texas, the chambers are also pursuing a legislative agenda that includes support for economic development and the promotion of tourism, for comprehensive nondiscrimination legislation that makes Texas a competitive, business-friendly state, for increased funding for public schools, and for improvements to the state's health care system and its public safety and transportation policies; in addition, the group advocates for racial equity in all sectors of the state, including education, employment, health care, and criminal justice; and WHEREAS, By bringing their collective voices together in behalf of the LGBTQIA+ business community in the Lone Star State, these chambers of commerce have jointly become a powerful advocate for the dignity and prosperity of all Texans; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby recognize February 14, 2023, as Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce Advocacy Day at the State Capitol and extend a warm welcome to the visiting delegation.