SR394 - Recognizing the Texas-Mexico border as vital to the economy, education, and character of the state.

          SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 394          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 cross 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   trade port in North America, ranking first in the nation for   total trade in 2024; across the United States, the Pharr-Reynosa   International Bridge is the 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 in Maverick County 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 five times, Edinburg has won four times, and Brownsville   has won two times; other recipients of this prestigious   designation include Harlingen, Hidalgo, Laredo, McAllen,   Mission, 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, the Resaca de la Palma State Park, 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   34,000 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 Education & Research Center at Laredo; 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 Senate of the State of Texas, 89th   Legislature, 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.     Zaffirini, Blanco, Gutierrez   Hinojosa of Hidalgo, Hinojosa of Nueces                             ______________________________                          Member, Texas Senate         ____________________________________________________________         Member, Texas Senate               Member, Texas Senate         ____________________________________________________________         Member, Texas Senate               Member, Texas Senate                 ______________________________         President of the Senate                I hereby certify that the     above Resolution was adopted by     the Senate on June 1, 2025.                 ______________________________         Secretary of the Senate